The Green Zone is an open and participatory space for citizens and the public, providing an opportunity to better understand how desertification, land degradation and drought are directly connected to everyone’s future and quality of life. Desertification is not only an environmental issue. It is also an issue of future economies, food, water, livelihoods and sustainable development. During COP17, countries from around the world are discussing these challenges and shaping future policies and collective solutions. People will free to visit the Green Zone from 17 to 28 August, learn more about COP17 activities, environmental solutions, innovations and good practices, and share views and ideas.