Closing the funding gap – innovative solutions and private-sector engagement in water and land management

Water scarcity and rising droughts are among the defining challenges of the 21st century, threatening prosperity, food security, and economic growth. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) addresses desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) by promoting integrated land and water management—key to strengthening resilience, reducing poverty, and securing livelihoods. Its Global Mechanism (GM), which is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), helps countries assess financing needs, mobilise resources, and attract investment in sustainable practices.

Yet, a major funding gap remains. Closing it will require additional investment, especially from the private sector. Here, data-driven insights are essential: the UNCCD’s Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative offers evidence-based analyses to demonstrate the economic value of sustainable land and water management, guiding smarter private investment decisions. But how can private finance be mobilised effectively? How can nature-based solutions deliver both ecological benefits and financial returns? What lessons emerge from successful projects worldwide—and how can early-stage investments be supported?

These questions will be explored in an expert panel, building on real-world examples that show how private-sector engagement can help turn global challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.