Rio
Conventions

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Addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation requires an integrated response. The UNCCD, CBD and UNFCCC, which emerged from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, work hand in hand to align efforts on ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management and nature-based climate solutions.

Strengthening synergies across policies, data, capacity-building and science ensures that actions in one area support and accelerate progress in others. Joint work enhances national implementation, fosters inclusive governance and advances shared global Sustainable Development Goals. Only by working together can the Rio Conventions effectively heal humanity’s relationship with nature to build a more resilient, sustainable future.

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Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The UN Climate Change is an international treaty aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that prevents dangerous human interference with the climate system.

With 198 Parties, it enjoys universal participation. Through its secretariat, the UNFCCC supports the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, facilitates negotiations, manages key data registries and promotes climate action through scientific assessments, technology cooperation and the inclusive engagement of governments, civil society, indigenous people, youth, women, sub-national actors and the business community.

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Synergies Country Commitments News Events

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

With 196 Parties, it has near universal participation. The CBD helps address threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services through scientific cooperation, tools and incentives, technology transfer and the active involvement of indigenous peoples, local communities, youth, women, NGOs, sub-national actors and the private sector. It promotes inclusive action to safeguard ecosystems and support sustainable development for the benefit of all.

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Synergies Country Commitments News Events

Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is the global vision and voice for land. It unites governments, scientists, policymakers, private sector and communities around a shared vision and global action to restore and manage the world’s land for the sustainability of humanity and the planet.

Much more than an international treaty signed by 197 parties, UNCCD is a multilateral commitment to mitigating today’s impacts of land degradation and advancing tomorrow’s land stewardship to provide food, water, shelter and economic opportunity to all people in an equitable and inclusive manner. 

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Synergies Country Commitments News Events

Rio Timeline

Only by working together, can the Rio Conventions effectively heal humanity’s relationship with nature to build a more resilient, sustainable future.

June 1992: Rio Earth Summit

The UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) is held in Rio de Janeiro, launching three Conventions: UNFCCC (climate change), CBD (biodiversity) and later UNCCD (desertification).

29 Dec 1993: CBD enters into force

The Convention on Biological Diversity becomes legally binding, aiming to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use and ensure fair benefit-sharing.

21 Mar 1994: UNFCCC enters into force

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change enters into force to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

17 June 1994: UNCCD adopted

The Convention to Combat Desertification is adopted, recognizing land degradation as a global challenge, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

26 Dec 1996: UNCCD enters into force

UNCCD becomes legally binding, emphasizing sustainable land management and support for affected countries.

Oct 2010: Joint Liaison Group (JLG) established

The secretariats of CBD, UNFCCC and UNCCD create the JLG to improve coordination and explore synergies among the three Conventions.

Sep 2015: LDN adopted as Global Target

The UN adopts SDG 15.3, committing to achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030.

Dec 2015: UNFCCC COP21 – Paris Agreement

Parties adopt the Paris Agreement, setting global temperature goals and encouraging nature-based solutions, linking climate, biodiversity and land.

Sep 2019: UNCCD COP14 – New Delhi Declaration

UNCCD parties adopt a political declaration promoting investment in land-based solutions, aligning with climate and biodiversity goals.

people consulting each other at conference

May 2022: UNCCD COP15 – Land restoration focus

Held in Abidjan, this COP strengthens commitments on land restoration, carbon sequestration and drought resilience—areas of clear synergy.

people posing in front of sign saying stockholm

June 2022: Stockholm+50 – Synergy Dialogue

At Stockholm+50, Rio Conventions co-host a high-level session on synergies, with the GEF and others committing to more integrated implementation.

people celebrating at un biodiversity conference

Dec 2022: CBD COP15 – Kunming-Montreal Framework

Parties adopt a new global biodiversity framework, including the “30 by 30” goal, promoting ecosystem protection as a climate and land action.

person on bicycle passing poster for COP16

Oct 2024: CBD COP16 – Implementation acceleration

Cali, Colombia hosts COP16, with focus on financing and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Framework and links to NDCs and LDN targets.

Nov 2024: UNFCCC COP29 – Rio Trio synergies highlighted

In Baku, the EMG and Rio Conventions coordinate messaging on nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration and co-benefits of integrated action.

Dec 2024: UNCCD COP16 – Drought resilience focus

This COP in Riyadh focuses on sustainable land use, drought resilience and cross-cutting indicators that support climate and biodiversity goals.

Events

Upcoming events of the Three Rio Conventions.

UN Climate Change Conference COP30

Belém, Brazil, 10 - 21 November 2025

From Rio to Belém: Synergistic Action for Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Resilience

Belém, Brazil, 18 November 2025

RioConventions

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Rio Timeline

Events

UN Climate Change Conference COP30

From Rio to Belém: Synergistic Action for Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Resilience

UNCCD CRIC23

CBD SBI 6

CBD SBSTTA 28

CBD SBI 7

UNCCD COP17

CBD COP17

Rio
Conventions