12th Session of the Conference of the Parties
to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP 12)

The twelfth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP 12) opened in Ankara, Turkey, on Monday afternoon, 12 October 2015. Following meetings of regional groups during the morning, the opening plenary offered delegates the opportunity to exchange opening statements regarding the COP 12 agenda items and their expectations for the session. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Namibia, and President of COP 11, opened COP 12 and expressed solidarity with those affected by the recent attacks in Ankara and led delegates in observing a moment of silence. Noting that sustainable rangeland management is a key priority for his country, he said the recent adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will help to raise the profile of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) issues on the political agenda, and called for sufficient resources to meet the Convention’s targets to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).

Delegates then elected Veysel Eroğlu, Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs, Turkey, as COP 12 President. Eroğlu highlighted the “Road to Ankara” initiative to engage the business community, and noted his country’s willingness to share its expertise with other countries in order to meet LDN goals. Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary, UNCCD, said the Convention is an “organization in motion” and noted the increased recognition of land issues at the global level, highlighting the inclusion of the LDN target in the SDGs and the acknowledgement of the role of land in climate change negotiations. Nicolas Hulot, Special Advisor to President of France, stated that success at the Paris Climate Change Conference relies on three factors: humility, solidarity and truth. Delegates proceeded to offer opening statements, adopt the COP 12 agenda and elect the COP 12 officers. At the end of the day, COP 12 participants enjoyed a buffet reception hosted by the Government of Turkey.