The Global Terrestrial Observing System and the Convention to Combat Desertification

This technical report outlines the role of a global terrestrial observing system in supporting environmental convention secretariats. The document presents a strategy for aligning observational data with the evolving information needs of international conventions such as those on biodiversity, desertification, and climate change. It highlights how precise, harmonized, and spatially referenced data can support practical ecosystem management, policy formulation, and global assessments. Detailed recommendations underscore the importance of establishing a core set of sensitive variables, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, building national capacity in developing countries, and ensuring quality assurance in data handling. The report also stresses the necessity of strategic outreach, funding mechanisms, and coordinated governance structures to operationalize the system effectively.