Rio Timeline

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).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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