ENB:04:10 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

---

IN THE CORRIDORS

The informal discussion on the Global Mechanism (GM) left some delegates with a sense of frustration — they considered the negotiations deadlocked. This prompted many to question the value of a CCD without a fund. Some delegates are convinced that without an institution such as the GM to mobilize resources, the INCD has “jumped only to land on the 1977 PACD” (Plan of Action to Combat Desertification). Others argue, however, that even without a fund, the spirit of the negotiations demonstrates a strong political will that is a leap beyond the 1977 PACD. Another school of thought maintains that even without another dollar, “if countries apply the basic principle of the CCD, we would still go a long way” in changing the situation of people living in drylands. Yet another group felt that creating a fund would not guarantee that resources would flow. The PACD and TFAP (Tropical Forest Action Plan) both had funds but nothing became of them. Many observed that given the experience with the GEF and the Montreal Protocol, Africa, which is particularly affected, may not be able to access funds from such a multilateral funding body.