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SPECIAL SEGMENT:
STATEMENTS
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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)
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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)
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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) |
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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)
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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)
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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) |
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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)
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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)
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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) |
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Above photos L-R: Douglas
Pattie (UNCCD); Goodspeed Kopolo (UNCCD); Melchiade
Bukuru (UNCCD); Massimo Candelori (UNCCD); Chair Riccardo
Velentini and Nikhil Seth (UN Secretriat)
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REVIEW
OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION:
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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)
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CONTACT GROUP:
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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)
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ENB SNAPSHOTS:
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SIDE EVENT: INTRODUCING THE SADC
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE - GOBABEB TRAINING AND RESEARCH CENTER IN NAMIBIA
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Willem
Konjore, Minister for Environment and Tourism of Namibia presented
the launch of the Gobabeb SADC Centre of Excellence, international
center for dryland training and research in Southern Africa. For
further information on Gobabeb and its activities relating to UNCCD
please visit http://www.drfn.org/gobabeb.
Above photos L-R: Sem T. Shikongo (Namibia); Executive
Secretary Hama Arba Diallo, UNCCD; Willem Konjore,
Minister for Environment and Tourism of Namibia
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