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NGO IMPACT:

Likewise, NGOs were extremely positive about the openness of the negotiating process and the extent to which they were able to influence decision-making, especially around such issues as national desertification trust funds and NGO participation in the development of national action programmes. The whole process translated into an important capacity-building exercise for the NGOs, many of whom had never attended an international negotiation before, let alone had the opportunity to play an advocacy role in such a forum. At the first INCD session in Nairobi, there were only 15 NGOs represented. By INCD-5 there were over 50 NGOs actively participating, with over 230 accredited. The impact these NGOs had on the Convention and the role they are preparing to play in its implementation have set an important precedent.