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IN THE CORRIDORS

The role of the Interim Secretariat dominated discussion in and outside of Conference Room 2 on Tuesday. Yet, whatever the eventual role of the Secretariat, it will have to disseminate information related to the implementation process, which may assume the forms outlined under the theme of public awareness. It is unlikely, however, that the Secretariat can undertake public awareness activities similar to those undertaken by the NGOs during the UNCED process. That role is best left to NGOs and governments, especially given the diversity of the 900 million people affected by the scourge of desertification. Otherwise, the US$300,000 budget proposed by the Secretariat for public awareness is underestimated.