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SUMMARY OF THE NINTH SESSION OF THE INC FOR THE CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION:: 3-13 SEPTEMBER 1996

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Convention to Combat Desertification (INCD) met for its ninth session at UN Headquarters in New York, from 3-13 September 1996. The INCD is currently functioning during the interim period between the conclusion of the Convention and its entry into force, and is preparing for the first Conference of the Parties (COP-1).

During the session, delegates reviewed the status of ratification, the situation as regards extrabudgetary funds, and the implementation of the resolution on Urgent Action for Africa, as well as interim measures in other regions. The working groups continued to prepare for COP-1, which is expected to be held in September or October 1997. In the working groups, delegates addressed outstanding issues related to arrangements regarding the Global Mechanism, the designation of a Permanent Secretariat, scientific and technical cooperation, rules of procedure, financial rules, and communication of information. Delegates’ general impression was that good progress was made, especially concerning scientific and technological cooperation, even though several of the most important, primarily financial, issues remain unresolved.