JORDAN spoke on his country’s experience with the NAP, and the problem of land degredation refugees, and called for financial support for CCD implementation. 


Above photo: Raouf Dabbas (Jordan)

The REPUBLIC OF KOREA underlined the link between natural disasters and climate change and desertification, and asked that COP-7 adopt a decision on Korea hosting COP-8, to provide time for preparations.

Above photo: Junho Ko (The Republic of Korea)

ZAMBIA mentioned the trend of reduced ODA flows, supported the JIU report, and suggested that the COP call on the GEF to provide $5 million to affected parties that completed their NAPs.


Above photo: Frederick Mulenga (Zambia)

BRAZIL described national programmes to combat desertification, mentioned the need to identify synergies among the Rio conventions, and supported the RCUs.  



Above photo:  Antonio José Rezende de Castro (Brazil)

SOUTH AFRICA spoke of Africa ’s response to land degradation, and said that it would be ready to provide funds for the 2006 International Year of Deserts and Desertification, to make it a success.


Above photo:  Maria Mbengashe (South Africa)

JAPAN said that it would double its ODA to Africa in the next three years. He emphasized the importance of mainstreaming of desertification in development plans, and expressed concern regarding overspending of the Secretariat’s budget, as well as transparency of Secretariat activities.  
Above photo: Satoru Miyamura (Japan)

DENMARK emphasized prioritization of desertification and land degradation at the national level, sharing of lessons learnt and best practices, and increasing awareness on linkages between desertification and poverty.

Above photo: Bo Jensen (Denmark)

VIET NAM outlined national policies and strategies on combating desertification and land degradation, and expressed hope for continued support from international organizations and development partners for Convention implementation.
Above photo: Phan Van Hien (Viet Nam)

The EUROPEAN COMMISSION said that political will and mainstreaming of desertification are crucial for addressing land degradation and reaffirmed its financial support and partnership building. He also stressed the need for improving the efficiency of Secretariat’s activities. 
Above photo: Philip Mikos (EC)

FRANCE drew the attention of delegates to its  proposal to transform UNEP into a UN Environment Organization, he said addressing desertification—a crosscutting issue—needs a more integrated structure.




Above photo: Denys Gauer (France)

ICELAND stressed that addressing desertification must integrate all relevant disciplines, and strongly supported synergies with other conventions.






Above photo: Bjarni Sigtryggsson (Iceland)

GERMANY emphasized: the CCD’s role in promoting a global proactive approach to addressing desertification; the need for moving to Convention implementation; and guidance on financial opportunities in relation to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.



Above photo: Bernd Braun (Germany)

The WORLD CONSERVATION UNION called upon parties to: mainstream the value and importance of dryland ecosystem services; increase economic opportunities in drylands by promoting diversification of livelihoods; and recognize pastoralism.

Above photo: Joachim Gratzfeld (IUCN)

The PERMANENT INTERSTATE COMMITTEE for DROUGHT CONTROL IN THE SAHEL described its role in encouraging NAP development, CCD implementation, and promoting intra-state dialogue in this region.


Above photo: Musa Saihou Mbenga (CILSS)

INDONESIA said that little progress has been achieved in implementation and called for concrete actions. He introduced his country’s efforts in implementing the NAP, including engaging local communities and NGOs.


Above photo: Djismun Kasri (Indonesia)

The EU emphasized the importance of the review process in taking stock of the CCD’s contributions.

Above photo: Gemma Cook (UK)

SWAZILAND called for the renewal of the mandate and institutionalization of the CRIC, and suggested that initiating the formal review process would be premature at this juncture.

Above photo: Bongani Masuku (Swaziland)

ARGENTINA cautioned against sacrificing substantive debate in favor of long country statements. 


Above photo: Homero Bibiloni (Argentina)

REVIEW OF THE CONVENTION: The contact group on CRIC draft decisions remained divided regarding the Memorandum of Understanding with the GEF, and whether their relationship permitted them to “request” or merely “invite” them to make financial resources available, and report to the COP on the implementation of the decision. Text was adopted reaffirming the applicability of the MoU to all eligible affected country parties.

Above photos L-R: Edmund Jackson (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), Bongani Masuku (Swaziland) and Humphrey Kaburu (Kenya); Satu Ravola (UNCCD) and Chair Ositadinma Anaedu (Nigeria)