The 14th Conference of Parties, COP14 to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is underway at Greater Noida. The core agenda of the 12-day Conference which began on Monday is to reverse land degradation and its outcomes while accelerating positive achievements for people and for ecosystems.

Marcos Montorio, who is NGO and Civil Society Liaison Officer, UNCCD said India has been doing amazing work in combating land degradation, desertification and drought. He praised India for implementing a lot of projects at local and national level.

Mr Montorio said NGOs and Civil Society can contribute in a large way towards realising the objectives of COP14 as they work on the field and implement projects to protect and rehabilitate land.

Delegates from 196 countries are participating in COP14. The Parties to the Convention will agree on the actions they will take over the next two years and beyond to get the world on a sustainable development path.