A strategic workshop in Cotonou
As part of the Just Transition 2.0 project, a two-day workshop was held in Cotonou on April 23–24, 2026. The NGO ViSA Africa (Vision for Sustainability and Climate Adaptation in Africa), in collaboration with TMG Research, organized the event.
Several key actors took part in the workshop. These included the national focal point of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Benin, civil society representatives working on policy advocacy for responsible land governance, and delegates from the Ministry of Agriculture (MAEP) and the National Agency for Land and Domains (ANDF).
The main goal was to lay the foundations for a joint roadmap. This roadmap aims to improve the implementation of UNCCD land tenure decisions. To achieve this, stronger collaboration and greater synergy are needed between the national focal point, sectoral actors, and CSOs working on responsible land governance in Benin.
Focal points at a crossroads
National focal points occupy a strategic position within the international framework for combating desertification. They serve as key interfaces between global commitments and their national implementation, carrying significant responsibility.
Yet, despite their heavy workload and numerous demands at both national and international levels, focal points do not receive adequate support. In Benin, Madagascar, and Kenya, they all have limited decision-making authority. Moreover, insufficient operational resources force them to rely informally on their professional networks to fulfill their mandates.
As explained by Cheick Abdel Kader Baba, West Africa Programme Officer at TMG Research, this way of working is neither sustainable nor effective. Such informality, he noted, does not foster strong engagement by civil society actors in supporting the UNCCD’s objectives in Benin.
A working environment that needs strengthening
Given repeated calls to enhance synergies among the three Rio Conventions, it has become essential to build a working environment that strengthens UNCCD focal points’ capacities.
Furthermore, formal mechanisms for collaboration between focal points and CSOs must be established. CSOs, with their strong local presence and recognized expertise in land governance and participatory advocacy, can be transformative when properly involved in national reporting and monitoring efforts.
A process rooted in a consultative approach
This workshop is not a standalone initiative. Rather, it is part of a continuous participatory process launched in July 2025. During that period, a series of consultations brought together various stakeholder groups to assess the challenges limiting UNCCD NFP collaboration with CSOs.
These discussions identified key challenges faced by focal points. They also explored potential solutions. The findings, alongside interviews with stakeholders in Benin, Kenya, Madagascar, and Uganda, established a foundational framework for focal points.
As explained by Mr. Charbel Oudou Sabi Yaba, Just Transition Project Coordinator in Benin and ViSA Africa representative, this framework will guide stakeholder contributions and serve as a basis for developing the roadmap.
From reflection to action
The April 23–24, 2026 workshop marks a significant milestone in this process. By bringing together institutional actors and civil society representatives, it created a vital space to turn consultation results into actionable proposals.
Enriched by participants’ field experiences, discussions centered on practical approaches for more seamless, regular, and effective cooperation on UNCCD land tenure decisions and responsible land governance in Benin.
Sharing lessons at the international level
The insights gained from the Benin consultation processes will be discussed in an upcoming webinar. They will also be presented at a side-event at UNCCD COP 17.
The aim is to provide the UNCCD Secretariat and the Global Mechanism with concrete evidence on effective mechanisms for supporting UNCCD NFPs. These lessons will also help advance land restoration goals at the national level.
Significant progress toward the protection of land rights
The development of the LDN-TSP 2.0 policy note in Benin represents a notable step forward. Indeed, the inclusion of goal 7 marks significant progress. This goal emphasizes adherence to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) principles and the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on responsible land tenure governance.
This approach helps protect the rights of vulnerable communities involved in land restoration and natural resource management. Furthermore, it creates momentum for implementing UNCCD land tenure decisions in a coordinated manner. The Just Transition 2.0 builds on this momentum and turns it into practical actions.
