About UNCCD Ground Heroes
The UNCCD Land Heroes campaign recognises and supports young people and youth-led/headquartered organisations making a positive impact against desertification, land degradation and drought. Through online engagement, we raise awareness, share success stories and empower young people as agents of change in sustainable land management by involving them in the implementation of the convention. Building on the success of the inaugural 2020 cohort, the second cohort of Earth Heroes continues to inspire and mobilise young people to promote the goals of the UNCCD.
About the Land Heroes campaign
Part of Land for Life Programme #LandHeroes showcases young people's dedication to sustainable land management. These organisations and individuals share transformative journeys through social media, videos, blogs and our dedicated website, amplifying their contributions and recognising both young people and critical forces for positive change. Join us in celebrating these remarkable earth champions.
Objective
The Land Heroes campaign aims to identify, celebrate and support young people between the ages of 18 and 35 involved in sustainable land management, raising awareness of land's connection to biodiversity and climate. By sharing stories, we inspire change, unite young people, provide guidance and show the transformative power of collective endeavours.
Campaign goals
- Raising awareness of the earth's connection to biodiversity and climate
- Highlight several ways in which young people positively impact the earth
- Share inspiring stories showing collective progress
- Empowering young people to spread campaign messages and take action
- Provide mentoring in sustainable land management
- Share success stories to promote understanding and awareness
Earth hero categories
- Drought resilience :
- Early warning systems: Implement proactive measures to anticipate and respond effectively to drought conditions.
- Mitigating the effects of drought Innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of drought and guarantee water availability.
- Adopt scalable and inclusive approaches: Promote strategies that can be expanded to larger scales and inclusive of vulnerable populations to increase resilience to drought.
- Land restoration :
- Large-scale land restoration : Leadership in the restoration of degraded land on a large scale, contributing to the restoration of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity.
- Land restoration at community level Impactful initiatives that restore degraded land at community level, improving livelihoods and resilience.
- Inclusion and equality:
- Gender equality and women's empowerment : Initiatives that promote gender equality in land ownership, decision-making and conservation efforts
- Social equity Initiatives that promote poverty eradication, social cohesion, etc.
- Indigenous knowledge : Expand indigenous knowledge and practices, recognising their vital role in sustainable land management
- Science and innovation:
- Innovation : Innovative approaches to sustainable land management
- Technology : Harnessing technology for monitoring land, analysing data and sharing knowledge about sustainable practices
- Science and research : Contributions to scientific research and evidence-based decision-making in land management
Land Heroes' main features
- Involving young people (18-35) in tackling land challenges
- Role models who inspire colleagues through dedication
- Inspirational leadership mobilising young people 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 earth heroes
- US$ 1,000 grant for the top finalists in each category
- Participation in high-level UNCCD meetings
- Publicity and recognition through interviews, media and social platforms
- Mentoring for leadership, communication and project management
- Opportunities to support the UNCCD through advocacy, workshops and content creation
- Participation in challenge and innovation forums
- Co-ordination with other Land Heroes for workshops and collaborative projects
Identifying Earth Heroes
Ten Land Heroes are selected over two years on the basis of criteria aligned with the categories.
Timeline
Deadline extended: 29 February 2024
June 2024: Desertification and Drought Day
December 2024: Participation in COP16
Apply now ! Submission form
Meet the current cohort : Land Heroes
