ENB:03:04
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ETHIOPIA:
Berhanu Kebede noted that the magnitude and
development of the problems of desertification and drought is
alarming in Ethiopia. Over 73% of Ethiopia's land is affected by
drought and desertification. The proportion of land with forest
cover has diminished from 40% at the turn of the century to about
3% at the present time. It was because of environmental degradation
and man-made disaster that hundreds and thousands of Ethiopian
perished and over a million were displaced. Thus, the Transitional
Government put human centered and sustainable development in the
center of its economic policy. Drought and environmental
degradation is a major development bottleneck that must be
addressed urgently. Ethiopia appealed to all States to support the
work of the INCD and suggested that the following issues be given
special emphasis in finalizing the Convention: clear recognition of
the interwoven nature of drought and desertification; recognition
of the Convention as an indispensable framework for global
environmental protection and sustainable development; strengthening
national, sub-regional and regional capacities through literacy and
public awareness campaigns and training; effective support of the
needs and efforts of special groups, such as women, youth and
children; and eradication of poverty.