Convention to Combat Desertification

Structure and Agreements

Established to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious conditions, particularly Africa, the Convention entered into force in December ‘96. The principles of Agenda 21 underline the framework of action to provide an integrated approach to the provisions of the Convention. Action is aimed at all levels supported by international co-operation and partnerships designed to contribute to the existing achievements of sustainable development. As of March ‘98 121 states were party to the Convention with 12, including the EC, yet to ratify.

The Convention is divided into four regional implementation annexes. These are Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Northern Mediterranean. This provides flexibility within the Convention where each annex focuses on those specific issues most related to that region. This structure is also better able to reflect the political, financial, scientific and social agenda which exists within each region.

Obligations and follow up

The provisions under the Convention require affected (developing nation) parties to

Developed nation parties alternatively undertake to

Each party shall develop National Action Programmes which should 

Review process

Parties must report to the COP at its ordinary sessions those measures which they have taken in line the provisions of the Convention. The COP is responsible for co-ordinating the review and implementation process including the institutional arrangements of the parties. Details of the reports submitted will be made public after review by the secretariat.

For further information on the Convention refer to:

http://www.unccd.ch

For information on the status and ratification of the Convention refer to:

http://www.unccd.ch/ratif/Ratif-eng.html