Our land. Our future: Combating desertification in Libya

June 5, 2024
Abdallah Hussien / UNDP Libya

This year's World Environment Day campaign, titled "Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration," focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

More than 95% of Libya’s land is characterized by a desert or semi-desert environment. UNDP is partnering with the National Committee to Combat Desertification (NCCD) with an aim to enhance institutional capacities, support the formulation of a comprehensive national strategy, and promote sustainable land management to mitigate the harmful impacts of desertification in Libya. This strategic partnership is supported by UNDP’s Environment and Climate Change project, which is generously funded by the European Union.

UNDP’s support to the Government of Libya is aligned with the objectives of the Rio Conventions: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

In collaboration with the University of Sebha, UNDP is developing a new project under the 8th cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF 8) aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems, particularly in the Libyan oases, which are vital areas for biodiversity and local livelihoods. By leveraging global funds and expertise, the project will support innovative and sustainable solutions to restore vital ecosystems, enhance their resilience, and ensure the long-term well-being of the communities that depend on them — supporting Libya's journey towards sustainable development and environmental conservation.