Panama, December 1st, 2025
The Sahara and Sahel Observatory took part in the “Innovations for UNCCD Reporting 2026: Highlights from the SDG 15.3.1 Good Practice Guidance Addendum” side-event, organized by WOCAT and the UNCCD Secretariat on the margins of CRIC23. The event highlighted recent methodological advances supporting the reporting process, particularly regarding SDG indicator 15.3.1 on Land Degradation Neutrality.
Mr. Mustapha Mimouni, Technology, Information and Remote Sensing Department Director and OSS representaitve presented the Organization’s experience in monitoring land degradation and supporting African countries in their reporting efforts - an expertise that made it possible for the OSS to be officially recognized by the UNCCD as a regional support center for more than 22 African countries in the upcoming 2026 reporting cycle. He also showcased successful national experiences, including in Seychelles and Tunisia, where tailored methodological frameworks using Earth Observation data have enabled the production of indicators adapted to specific national contexts.
Through these contributions, the OSS reaffirms its key role in harmonizing monitoring approaches via the continental MISLAND-Africa platform and in building environmental data collection, analysis, and reporting national capacities.