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FRIDAY AFTERNOON, 21 OCTOBER 1994
The President of the General Assembly, Amara Essy (C“te d'Ivoire), opened the debate by reminding delegates that the problem of desertification is not a new subject for the UN system. The international community must now ensure the effective implementation of the Convention. Nine hundred million people are affected by desertification and in Africa alone hundreds of thousands of hectares have been lost to desertification, causing food shortages and poverty. He stressed the need for urgent action for Africa and appealed to all States that have not already done so to sign the Convention during this session of the General Assembly. The text of the Convention is at the Department of Legal Affairs Treaty Section and is open for signature in accordance with Article 33 of the Convention.
Ismat Kittani, on behalf of UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, noted that at the signing ceremony in Paris on 14-15 October 1994, 87 nations and one regional economic integration organization signed the Convention to Combat Desertification. The Convention was adopted on 17 June 1994 after 13 months of negotiations. At the signing ceremony, over 60 high level Government officials gave statements on the need for early implementation in Africa. The Convention breaks new ground in international environment and development law through its truly integrated approach, which stresses community level participation and equal weight to the physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of desertification. The system of national, regional and subregional action programmes is also innovative. The key to the success of the Convention will be the political will of the affected countries themselves. The Secretary-General is committed to mobilizing sufficient funds to implement the Convention. He urged all countries to sign the Convention as soon as possible and hoped that a strong consensus will emerge in the Second Committee to allow the INCD to continue its work and promote rapid ratification of the Convention.
In his introductory remarks, INCD Chair Bo Kjell‚n (Sweden) commented that the Committee managed to produce a robust Convention that is coherent, legally consistent, innovative and balanced between the perception of desertification as a global problem and the obvious need for specific recognition of regional differences. Although there was disappointment over the relative lack of precision in the financial provisions of the Convention, the global mechanism in the Convention may turn out to be a useful tool. He stressed the importance of implementing the resolution on urgent action for Africa and called on developed countries as well as international and multilateral organizations, agencies and programmes to provide enabling funds to support partnerships at the national and subregional levels in Africa. He urged the General Assembly to adopt a resolution on interim arrangements, which would include the convening of further sessions of the INCD in 1995 and 1996 and the continuation of the interim Secretariat to provide the necessary support for the work of the Committee. The sixth session of the INCD, to be held in New York in January 1995, will focus on the work programme for the interim period and the preparation for the first session of the Conference of the Parties. The INCD will also help prepare for the discussion of desertification during the third session of the Commission on Sustainable Development. He welcomed the debate in the General Assembly and said that the Convention will lead to real action on the ground that will benefit the people living in the drylands.
ALGERIA (ON BEHALF OF THE G-77 AND CHINA): Amb. Ramtane Lamamra expressed satisfaction with the Convention. In particular, the G-77 and China are pleased with the Convention's legal framework that provides a multidimensional, action-oriented approach to combat desertification worldwide. He expressed concern about the continuing problems with the availability of funding and the slow pace of the transfer of technology. The G-77 and China are committed to combatting desertification in Africa. He pointed to the excessively low rates of rainfall and continuing encroachment of desert sands that directly affect the survival of over 185 million people. He also stated that 65 million hectares of African land has been lost to desertification. He emphasized that the tenuous position of Africa warrants immediate action. He urged signatory countries to ratify without delay, and hoped that the links between the developed and developing countries provided for in this Convention could serve as the basis for new prospects in international cooperation.
GERMANY (ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN UNION): Gerhard W. Henze said that combatting desertification is a central element in the EU's development cooperation programmes. The funds allocated for this purpose through the Lom‚ Convention in 1992 alone amounted to US$1.9 billion. Concrete, action-oriented and effective programmes to combat desertification are urgently needed. The root causes and conditions that determine the conduct of land users must be taken into consideration. The process of elaborating national action programmes in developing countries is of the utmost priority. A closely coordinated effort between donor countries and affected developing countries is imperative. The quick follow-up to the signing of the Convention, in particular the resolution on the urgent action for Africa, must be ensured.
CANADA: Amb. John Fraser stressed the need for an integrated approach to combatting desertification. The affected countries have the responsibility of assuming the leadership role in their own action plans, while the donor countries are there to provide financial and technical support. The Canadian International Development Agency will commit $4 million for urgent assistance to Africa as well as an additional $100 million for anti-desertification programmes in Africa over the next five years.
MAURITANIA: Amb. Hamoud Ould Ely supported the unanimous adoption of the Convention and the identification of the need for urgent action for Africa. He stated that the very number of signatories to the Convention is testament to the great significance of the need for action. The growing awareness worldwide is a result of the global nature of the phenomenon of desertification. He expressed concern over the constant delays in action and added that because of the scope and immediacy of the problem, no more delays can be tolerated. In Africa, the full impact of this phenomenon is accompanied by food shortages, famine, rural exodus and external debt. Remedies cannot be limited to humanitarian operations.
INDIA: Amb. T. P. Sreenivasan announced that India signed the Convention in Paris on 14-15 October 1994. The urgency and moral imperative for tackling the problem of desertification and drought lies in the fact that it affects some of the poorest people in the world. The most satisfying feature of this Convention is that it reflects a basic concern of the developing world and seeks to tackle real human problems. The Convention also correctly distinguishes between deserts and lands prone to desertification and drought. Nearly 40% of India's land is threatened with desertification in one way or another. Adequate financial and appropriate technological resources need to be made available if the implementation of this Convention is to become a reality.
AUSTRALIA: Richard Rowe announced that Australia signed the Convention in Paris on 14-15 October 1994. Desertification is an important domestic issue for Australia since 70% of the continent is arid or semi-arid, receiving less than 500 millimeters of rainfall annually. He stressed the need to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are converted into effective and practical action. Australia already supports various programmes in Africa. In Paris, the Australian Treasurer announced a special contribution of up to A$250,000 over several years to combat desertification in Africa. Australia also plans to undertake a joint feasibility study with the World Meteorological Organization for the establishment of a network linking the two drought monitoring centres in Nairobi and Harare with the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development in Niamey.
NORWAY: On behalf of the Nordic countries, Amb. Arne H"nningstad said that the Convention provides a framework for affected countries and peoples, as well as relevant organizations and donors, to address the serious problems caused by land degradation and the increasing imbalance between people and available resources. All strata of society must be involved in the Convention's implementation. The Nordic countries will actively participate by reviewing development cooperation in areas such as poverty alleviation, land degradation and freshwater in light of the provisions of the Convention. He urged countries that have not already done so to sign and ratify the Convention to ensure its entry into force as soon as possible.
ISRAEL: Amb. Israel Eliashiv welcomed the coordinated activities aimed at supporting the effective implementation of the Convention and the urgent measures for Africa. Israel has launched a campaign against aridity with results that are being shared with other nations. Israel has already initiated its activities under the Convention by elaborating a master plan for an international center for combatting desertification. He invited all countries to join Israel in the venture of desert research and share its experience in finding solutions to desertification. Israel and Japan will host an international seminar on water management in 1995 and Israel will host an International Workshop on Arid Land Crops in November 1994. He expressed hope that peace will eventually embrace all neighboring countries so they can achieve a comprehensive settlement in the region and dedicate their efforts and resources to sustainable development.
BENIN: Amb. Ren‚ Val‚ry Mongbe said that in spite of the obstacles, pressure and sleepless nights, negotiators were able to cope with their task and complete the Convention. But the path ahead is a long one. The resolution on urgent action for Africa urges African countries to take steps to elaborate national action programmes and recommends that African countries and donors strengthen their partnerships. Countries must show their firm commitment to the resolution of this problem. With regards to technical assistance, the African Annex mentions the need to give preference to African experts whose services will be cheaper than those of foreign consultants. Now the time has come to join actions with words. He urged all States to continue to be guided by the Spirit of Rio.
BANGLADESH: Amb. Reaz Rahman said that Bangladesh fully supports the need for priority to be accorded to affected African countries. A host of preventive actions should constitute the core of any effective strategy since prevention and reduction of land degradation is more economical than reclamation of desertified land. Bangladesh signed the Convention in Paris and attaches particular importance to the implementation of preventive measures for lands that are not yet degraded. The role of NGOs is critical for effective implementation and follow-up. With regard to the means of implementation, Bangladesh supports the idea of the global mechanism and hopes that it will be successful in the mobilization and channelling of substantial financial resources, including the transfer of technology on a grant basis or on concessional terms to affected and threatened developing countries.
LIBYA: Amb. Mohamed A. Azwai said that desertification is one of the most important problems facing Africa. The need to combat desertification is now widely recognized and Libya hopes that the Convention will enjoy the necessary political and financial support. Desertification is rendered more acute by lack of groundwater. Libya has established a special institute to combat desertification, but efforts have been hampered by two factors -- the mines planted during World War II and the unjust embargo that has paralyzed research projects.
FRANCE: Herve Ladsous said that the signing ceremony held in Paris exceeded all expectations. As a result of this Convention, donors can become true partners with the countries in need. France will make implementation of the Convention one of its priorities, with assistance committed to reducing the effects of desertification at FF$1 billion per year, plus a contribution to the GEF.
IRAN: The representative said that INCD-6 in January 1995 is of significant importance to ensure progress in combatting desertification. The implementation of the Convention depends on the provision of substantial new and additional financial resources -- between US$10 and 22.4 billion, as estimated by UNEP. As decided during the negotiations, the GEF will serve as a financing source for the Convention, but the GEF replenishment is insufficient. He described Iran's problems with desertification, which are affected by population growth, overgrazing, uncoordinated exploitation of water resources and deforestation.
BARBADOS: Amb. Besley Maycock, on behalf of the 12 States of the Caribbean Community, supported the call for prompt action to combat desertification. The Convention represents a major advance in combatting desertification. It is a balanced document that addresses physical, biological, social and cultural issues related to desertification. Important recognition is given to the effects of desertification and drought on affected developing countries and the relationship to important socio-economic issues. The focus on the elaboration of action programmes is important. The Caricom States expressed hope for the necessary political will during the implementation stage to ensure the early and effective operation of the Convention once it enters into force.
MONGOLIA: The representative said that this Convention represents a solid basis for future activities. A concerted response of all actors at the national and international levels is needed to implement the Convention. Mongolia signed the Convention in Paris and looks forward to its early entry into force. One of the significant aspects of the Convention lies in its addressing food security and other socio-economic causes of desertification. The momentum created by the adoption of the Convention must be sustained. NGOs and local populations must be involved in the formulation of national action plans. He stressed the importance of new and additional resources and expressed hope that the global mechanism will help mobilize these resources.
TUNISIA: Amb. Slaheddine Abdellah said that the binding nature of this Convention is a positive step in the implementation of the commitments undertaken in Rio. Tunisia, whose borders are surrounded by desert, has true hope in the achievement of the objectives of this Convention. At the OAU Summit in Tunis in June 1994, African States committed to setting up the necessary structures for the application of the Convention and the African Annex. Affected countries need technical and financial support. The international community, in particular the donor countries, needs to afford the importance due to desertification as a worldwide environmental problem that extends beyond the borders of the countries affected.
UGANDA: The representative said that Uganda used to be a green land with no droughts, famine or poverty where the livelihood of the people was sustainable. Today, food security cannot be taken for granted and poverty has led to unsustainable use of resources. This situation typifies the phenomena that is taking place worldwide. There is insufficient funding available for combatting desertification. The case for new and additional funding is compelling and must be recognized. He appealed to the international community to support early implementation for Africa with regard to finance and technology. Uganda will sign the Convention shortly in New York. Effective measures have to be put in place for the entry into force and the interim secretariat should undertake transitional activities on issues such as the financial mechanism and the Committee on Science and Technology.
NIGERIA: The representative underscored the continued relevance of international efforts to combat desertification and drought. The most significant accomplishment of the INCD is the international attention that has been mobilized around desertification. The negotiations have linked those affected with desertification with donors, UN agencies, IGOs and NGOs and have laid the foundation for future global partnership arrangements. Nigeria looks forward to the Convention's entry into force and calls on the international community to provide the necessary financial and technological assistance.