Summary: Information / Discussion

Implementation of the Convention Against Desertification

The session aimed to deepen the understanding of issues concerning desertification, with particular reference to the role that NGOs play. It was hoped that results from the discussion could be compiled in preparation of the upcoming Johannesburg Summit. 

The Chair, Mr. Mohamed el Mokthar Ould Mohamed Ahmed of the Organisation pour le développement des zones arides et semi-arides highlighted the urgency of tackling the problem of desertification. Mr. Mokthar pointed out that despite previous efforts, data from the United Nations Environmental Programme have confirmed that the problem in all arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid zones has been exacerbated. Hence, actions such as the Plan of Action Against Desertification adopted in 1977 by the UN Conference on Desertification have only had a limited impact.

Mr. N'Diaye, of the United Nations Secretariat of the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) emphasized that desertification is a global issue, which unfortunately has not been fully recognized in today's society. He highlighted that 110 countries worldwide are now seriously affected by desertification, and that desertification has been a major cause of poverty. He also advocated that the general public should become more aware of the link between desertification and poverty, and that it should be treated seriously as a problem of sustainable development as well as a purely environmental problem.

Following Mr. Diaye's speech, Ms. Abdoulaye highlighted from her previous work in Niger one of the prominent problems facing non-governmental organization (NGOs) workers fighting against desertification: the lack of adequate financing. Her case was supported by Mr. Lounes of World Amazigh Congress, who also described other kinds of challenges facing a number of projects in the most affected regions of Sub-Saharan Africa: Morocco, Canary Islands, Libya and Algeria.

Desertification seen as a cultural issue
Interestingly, a delegate from the Ivory Coast viewed desertification as a cultural issue. He cited Niger as an example of a country where various festivities (involving the burning of wood) have been partly responsible for and have exacerbated the problem of desertification. He advocated that in order to fully combat desertification, one must start by changing some of the attitudes and values of the population, which regards the forest as sacred.

Interesting questions
There was much debate among the participants concerning what constitutes the most effective solution to the problem of desertification. A delegate from UNCCD emphasized that the planting of trees in arid and semi-arid regions can only solve part of the problem. He believes that the real solution lies in the creation of improved dialogue between the State and NGOs, which in turn lead to the creation of action programmes against desertification on a national level. Mr. Lounes defended the contribution of forestation schemes, highlighting that these (often isolated) programmes, when multiplied, can exert a real influence on the environment and must therefore not be neglected.

Conclusions
The Chair summarized three major points in his conclusion:

1. Desertification constitutes a serious problem, on a global as well as local level;
2. Desertification has been one of the major causes of poverty in many parts of the world;
3. In order to combat the problems caused by desertification, there needs to be good governance combined with democratic participation from countries all over the world.

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