The technical guide on the Integration of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security into the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation Neutrality has been launched at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP15. It offers a flexible multi-pathway approach to support policy, decision-makers and relevant stakeholders to shape a tailor-made response to commonly encountered land tenure challenges in different national plans, legal frameworks, strategies, and action programmes addressing land degradation.
The technical guide postulates that there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to enhancing tenure security for the increased uptake of sustainable land and water management practices.

It has been produced thanks to the contribution of stakeholders, countries and it outlines practical solutions that can be adapted to national and local contexts. The guide builds on three transversal considerations: the recognition, recording and safeguarding of legitimate tenure rights; the participation and consultation of all, in particular, those in situation of vulnerability and; a gender responsive approach.

The technical guide presented at UNCCD COP15 has been well received. The parties have also expressed in Decision 27/ COP 15, the need for:

• Developing specific guidance and exchange lessons learned, through national consultations in selected countries across regions, to assist Parties on the ways and means to integrate land tenure into land degradation neutrality, such as targets, plans, projects and programmes.
• Implement awareness-raising actions on responsible land governance for combatting desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD).
• Explore existing global indicators and data sets relevant to land governance and pilot options to integrate potential indicators into the UNCCD reporting processes.