Virtual signing ceremony, 5 May 2026 – The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on sustainable land management, drought resilience and ecosystem restoration across the Americas. The agreement was signed by Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, IICA Director General, and Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of UNCCD.
This partnership will benefit rural producers, communities and territories affected by land degradation and water scarcity, particularly in vulnerable areas of the region. Specifically, it enables pilot projects, training activities, technology transfer and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at improving water-use efficiency, drought preparedness and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across the Americas.
Highlighting the importance of the agreement, Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the close relationship between agriculture and land restoration.
“By joining forces with UNCCD, we are reinforcing our commitment to support countries in building agricultural systems that are more resilient, productive and sustainable, with direct benefits for rural communities”.
Dr. Yasmine Fouad joined colleagues from the UNCCD Secretariat during the virtual signing ceremony. She said land degradation, drought and the loss of soil health directly affect the livelihoods of millions of people, and added that the cooperation with IICA will help turn global commitments into practical action by mobilizing financing, knowledge and solutions adapted to the realities of rural territories.
“Investing in soil health and sustainable land management is investing in people,” she said. “Cooperation with IICA strengthens countries’ ability to apply science-based solutions that protect natural resources and rural livelihoods.”
Among the expected outcomes of the agreement are greater resource mobilization, better access to financing for sustainable land and water management practices, and increased visibility and impact for joint actions aligned with global sustainability goals.
IICA Canada played an important role in advancing the partnership through its work as the institutional focal point between the Institute and UNCCD. Dr. Jean-Charles Le Vallée, IICA Canada Country Representative and focal point to UNCCD, participated in the signing ceremony and reaffirmed IICA’s commitment to building stronger connections between international frameworks and practical solutions for farmers, ranchers and rural communities throughout the hemisphere.
Contact
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Delegation in Canada | 1002 – 130 Albert Street, Ottawa ON K1P 5G4 – Canada
Phone: (+1) 613-230-1044 | e-mail: iica.ca@iica.int
