Application Deadline: 29 February 2024
Applications are now open for the 2024 Land Heroes Campaign, The UNCCD Land Heroes campaign recognizes and supports young individuals and youth-led/based organizations making positive impacts against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Through online engagement, we raise awareness, share success stories, and empower youth as change agents in sustainable land management, engaging them in implementing the convention. Building on the success of the inaugural 2020 cohort, the second cohort of Land Heroes continues to inspire and mobilize youth to promote the UNCCD’s objectives.
Campaign goals
- Raise awareness of land’s connection to biodiversity and climate
- Spotlight diverse ways youth positively impact the land
- Share inspiring stories showcasing collective progress
- Empower youth to spread campaign messages and take action
- Provide mentorship in sustainable land management
- Share success stories to foster understanding and awareness
Categories of Land Heroes
- Drought resilience:
- Early warning systems: Implementing proactive measures to anticipate and respond to drought conditions effectively.
- Mitigating the effects of drought: Innovative strategies for drought impact mitigation and ensure water availability.
- Adopting scalable and inclusive approaches: Promoting strategies that can be expanded to larger scales and inclusive of vulnerable populations to enhance drought resilience.
- Land restoration:
- Large-scale land restoration: Leadership in restoring degraded land on a large scale, contributing to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
- Community-level land restoration: Impactful initiatives restoring degraded land at the community level, enhancing livelihoods and resilience.
- Inclusivity and equality:
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment: Initiatives promoting gender equality in land ownership, decision-making, and conservation efforts
- Social equity: Initiatives promoting poverty eradication, social cohesion, etc.
- Indigenous knowledge: Amplifying indigenous knowledge and practices, recognizing their vital role in sustainable land management
- Science and innovation:
- Innovation: Innovative approaches in sustainable land management
- Technology: Harnessing technology for land monitoring, data analysis, and knowledge-sharing on sustainable practices
- Science and research: Contributions to scientific research and evidence-based decision-making in land management
Key features of Land Heroes
- Youth engagement (18-35) in addressing land challenges
- Role models inspiring peers through dedication
- Inspirational leadership mobilizing youth for collective responsibility
- Passionate and dedicated to combating desertification and degradation
- Vision for change: Clear understanding and innovative strategies
- Collaboration with stakeholders for effective partnerships
- Strong communication: Effective online presence to inspire action
Benefits for Land Heroes
- Grant of US$1,000 for top finalists in each category
- Attendance at high-level UNCCD meetings
- Publicity and recognition through interviews, media, and social platforms
- Mentorship for leadership, communication, and project management
- Opportunities to support UNCCD through advocacy, workshops, and content creation
- Participation in challenges and innovation forums
- Coordination with other Land Heroes for workshops and collaborative projects
Identification of Land Heroes
Ten Land Heroes are selected over two years based on criteria aligned with categories.
Timeline
Deadline extended: 29 February 2024
June 2024: Desertification and Drought Day
December 2024: Participation in COP16
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNCCD Land Heroes Campaign
