ENB:04:34
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ARTICLE 2 -- OBJECTIVE:
This article of the draft Convention
contains two paragraphs on objectives. A number of developed
countries asserted that this article has to be brief, deal with the
specific subject of the Convention, and not address the issues of
poverty eradication, food and energy security, economic growth and
employment, and security and stability of financial resources. The
Africans stated that these socio-economic issues should be
essential objectives of the Convention. The revised text reads as
follows: "The objective of this Convention is to combat
desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries
experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly
in Africa, through effective action at all levels supported by
international cooperation [and partnership arrangements] in the
framework of an integrated approach, which is consistent with
Agenda 21 with a view to contributing to the achievement of
sustainable development in affected areas."
"Achieving this objective shall involve long-term integrated
strategies which focus simultaneously in affected and threatened
areas, on improved productivity of lands, rehabilitation,
conservation and sustainable management of land and water
resources, leading to improved living conditions, particularly at
the community level."