Drought is one of the most recurrent and severe climate-related hazards, affecting millions of people globally and threatening food security, water availability, health, and livelihoods. Effective management of drought requires a proactive and integrated approach that links risk mitigation, preparedness, and response, supported by robust Early Warning Systems (EWS).
The Pillar 3 Online Course provides a structured learning pathway for practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to understand, plan, and implement comprehensive drought management strategies. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and practical guidance, the course equips participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce vulnerability, enhance resilience, and strengthen institutional and community preparedness.
This course is developed jointly by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP), drawing on the expertise of key partners to ensure a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach. By combining global policy leadership, technical know-how, and practical implementation experience, the partnership equips participants with both strategic and hands-on perspectives to effectively address drought challenges.
The course is designed for:
- Water resource managers and policymakers (especially UNCCD Focal Points)
- Disaster risk reduction and climate change professionals
- Academics and researchers
- UNCCD and IDMP community members
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Pillar 3 framework and interconnections between mitigation, preparedness, and response.
- Apply strategies to reduce drought vulnerability, including ecosystem, water, land, financial, and health approaches.
- Translate Early Warning System alerts and risk information into national and community preparedness and response actions.
- Coordinate multi-sectoral drought responses, including crisis communication and sector-specific interventions.
- Integrate gender, social inclusion, and vulnerable populations considerations into drought risk management.
- Use monitoring, evaluation, and feedback to improve mitigation, preparedness, and response measures.
Designed, curated, and produced by:
- Daniel Tsegai, UNCCD
- Robert Stefanski, WMO
- Sabina Bokal, GWP
- Valentin Aich, GWP/WMO
- Gergana Majercakova, GWP
- Raunak Shrestha, GWP
- Beatrice Giovinazzo, WMO
