Summary report, 16 December 1994

1994 was a landmark year for those who are involved in combatingdesertification in the drylands throughout the world. The InternationalConvention to Combat Desertification in those Countries ExperiencingSerious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa, wasadopted in Paris on 17 June 1994 and was opened for signature in Parisat a signing ceremony on 14-15 October 1994. Yet, even though theConvention has been successfully negotiated there is still much work tobe done to ensure that the Convention is effectively implemented.

With this in mind, this special year-end issue of the EarthNegotiations Bulletin will review relevant activities that have takenplace since the fifth session of the Intergovernmental NegotiatingCommittee to elaborate the Convention (INCD) in June 1994, summarizethe results of the General Assembly"s consideration of the INCD andhighlight upcoming events. This issue of the Earth NegotiationsBulletin is published as part of a series of year-end issues intendedto summarize the current state of play in the various sustainabledevelopment conferences and negotiations reported on by theBulletin in 1994.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE INCD

Desertification affects about one-sixth of the world"s population, 70percent of all drylands and one-quarter of the total land area in theworld. The most obvious impact of desertification, in addition towidespread poverty, is the degradation of 3.3 billion hectares of thetotal area of rangeland; decline in soil fertility and soil structure; andthe degradation of irrigated cropland (Agenda 21, paragraph12.2).

While the idea of a convention to combat desertification was discussedduring the UNCED preparatory process, it was only in Rio wherelanguage was adopted requesting the General Assembly to establish anintergovernmental negotiating committee for the purpose of negotiating aconvention. The General Assembly, during its 47th session in 1992,adopted resolution 47/188 calling for the establishment of the INCD, andthe convening of five sessions in order to finalize the Convention byJune 1994.

The organizational session of the INCD was held in January 1993. At thatmeeting, delegates elected Bo Kjell‚n (Sweden) Chair of the Committee,elected the remaining members of the Bureau, adopted the rules ofprocedure, set the schedule of meetings and established two workinggroups.

FIRST SESSION

The first session of the INCD was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24 May-3June 1993. The first week of the session focused on the sharing oftechnical information and assessments on various aspects of drought anddesertification. Divided into seven sections, the information-sharingsegment provided an opportunity for scientists, technical experts,delegates and NGOs to share relevant experiences and learn more aboutthe scourge of desertification and its global dimensions. The secondweek focused on the structure and elements to be contained in theConvention. Delegates also exchanged ideas about the Convention and itsobjectives.

Negotiations stalled in Nairobi over the issue of related regionalinstruments, while still giving priority action to Africa. Kjell‚n proposedthat an instrument on Africa, such as an annex, be negotiated once themain structure of the Convention had been defined, and that similarinstruments for other regions be negotiated subsequently. This proposalmet with resistance from several countries in regions other than Africa.They felt that their own problems with desertification deserved attentionand that similar instruments for their regions should be negotiatedsimultaneously with the instrument for Africa. The decision wasdeferred.

SECOND SESSION

The second session of the INCD met in Geneva from 13-24 September1993. The Committee considered the compilation text of the Conventionprepared by the Secretariat and agreed on the future programme ofwork of the Committee, including the elaboration of regional instrumentsfor Africa, Asia and Latin America. As in Nairobi, the most difficult issueto resolve was the negotiation of regional instruments. At the conclusionof the second session, the two working groups completed theirdiscussion of the Secretariat"s compilation text, identifying areas ofconvergence and divergence. There appeared to be consensus on anumber of areas, including the need for: a clear and concise preamblethat refers to the history of desertification in the UN system; clear andconcise objectives; and implementable commitments that are central tothe Convention and articulated at different levels (national, regional andinternational). Delegates stressed the need for a public awarenessstrategy, improved education, and increased cooperation and coordinationbetween North and South, South and South, and among donors.

The third session of the INCD was held at UN Headquarters in New Yorkfrom 17-28 January 1994. At this session, the two working groupsfocused on the draft negotiating text of the Convention that wasprepared by the Secretariat and contained in document A/AC.241/15. Bythe end of the two-week session, the working groups were able tocomplete at least one and sometimes two readings of each draft article.Progress was made in shaping the Convention and in identifying theareas of convergence and divergence. The INCD also discussed theregional instrument for Africa for the first time. After an initialdiscussion of the nature of this instrument and its relationship to theConvention as a whole, delegates requested the Secretariat to prepare adraft text for consideration at the fourth session.

THIRD SESSION

The third session of the INCD was held at UN Headquarters in New Yorkfrom 17-28 January 1994. At this session, the two working groupsfocused on the draft negotiating text of the Convention that wasprepared by the Secretariat and contained in document A/AC.241/15. Bythe end of the two-week session, the working groups were able tocomplete at least one and sometimes two readings of each draft article.Progress was made in shaping the Convention and in identifying theareas of convergence and divergence. The INCD also discussed theregional instrument for Africa for the first time. After an initialdiscussion of the nature of this instrument and its relationship to theConvention as a whole, delegates requested the Secretariat to prepare adraft text for consideration at the fourth session.

FOURTH SESSION

The fourth session of the INCD was held in Geneva from 21-31 March1994. The two working groups continued negotiating the draft text ofthe Convention, as contained in document A/AC.241/15/Rev.1. By theconclusion of the session, the substantive problems that remainedincluded: the need for an article on principles in the text; all mattersrelated to financial resources and mechanisms; categories of countries;subsidiary bodies; reservations or exceptions open to the Parties; andthe obligations of a withdrawing Party. In order to have a moreproductive dialogue on the issues of financial resources and mechanisms,the Chair invited Pierre-Marc Johnson (Canada) and Bolong Sonko (TheGambia) to undertake informal consultations among delegations on theprovisions of the Convention related to finance. The objective of theseconsultations was to develop a new negotiating text on finance for thefifth session.

The fourth session was also the first time that delegates formallyconsidered the Regional Implementation Annex for Africa. In general,developed countries thought that the annex was too long and containeda number of articles that were better suited to or already contained inthe main Convention. The Africans felt that the level of detail wasabsolutely essential, otherwise the instrument would not achieve itsobjective of providing priority treatment for Africa. After a series ofinformal sessions, the unresolved issues in this heavily bracketed textincluded: the mandatory nature of the commitments to be taken byParties; timetable for preparing action programmes; the necessity ofregional action programmes; the role of the UN and other internationalinstitutions; financial arrangements; and follow-up and coordination.

The Asian and Latin American regional groups also produced their owndraft regional implementation instruments. Although these annexes werenot negotiated or even discussed in detail, initial reaction was positive.Delegates praised both annexes for their brevity and clarity andsupported them as a good basis for further discussion.

FIFTH SESSION

The fifth session of the INCD was held in Paris from 6-17 June 1994.During this session, delegates worked to reach agreement on theremaining bracketed text in the Convention. They also finalized fourregional implementation annexes for Africa, Latin America and theCaribbean, Asia and the Northern Mediterranean, adopted resolutionsthat recommended urgent action for Africa and interim arrangements forthe period between adoption of the Convention and its entry into force,which could take at least two years. There were times during thissession that delegates thought they would never reach agreement on thefinancial provisions of the Convention. After three all-night sessionscapped by a closing Plenary that did not even begin until 4:00 am, theConvention was finally adopted.

The Convention, which is the first "sustainable development convention"to be negotiated after the Rio Conference, is notable for its innovativeapproach in recognizing: the physical, biological and socio-economicaspects of desertification; the importance of redirecting technologytransfer so that it is demand driven; and the involvement of localpopulations in the development of national action programmes. The coreof the Convention is the development of national andsubregional/regional action programmes to combat desertification. Theseaction programmes are to be developed by national governments in closecooperation with donors, local populations and NGOs. The 40-articleConvention is divided into the following sections: I. Introduction; II.General provisions; III. Action programmes, scientific and technicalcooperation and supporting measures; IV. Institutions; and V.Procedures. For a more detailed summary of the Convention, seeEarth Negotiations Bulletin, Vol. 4. No. 55.

INTERSESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Eighty-seven countries signed the Convention to Combat Desertificationat a ceremony in Paris on 14-15 October 1994. (See box on page 6.)After signing the Convention, Governments " many represented by theirMinisters of Environment " announced their plans for implementing theConvention. Many countries suffering from desertification pledged tostep up their national programmes. Some announced that they weresetting up national action committees to coordinate their efforts withthose of non-governmental organizations, local communities, internationalagencies and donor governments.

A number of OECD countries announced aid packages, mostly to bereallocated from existing development funds, and to be used primarily toassist African countries in halting dryland degradation. The UnitedStates pledged US$500 million in current or planned projects to fightdesertification in Africa. The European Union said that US$443 millionwas recently added under the Lom‚ Convention to fight desertification,on top of the US$7.6 billion already committed. Germany pledged DM5million in technical cooperation to be added before the end of 1994 tothe DM1.8 billion already committed to combating desertification. Canadapledged over $100 million, drawn from exisiting development aid, to bedirected over the next five years to fight desertification, especially inWest Africa. Denmark announced that US$200 million has been allocatedfor the next fiscal year toward a new fund for international environmentand emergency assistance, with a goal of targeting one half percent ofGNP to this fund by the year 2004. This is above the 1% of GNP alreadyspent on ODA. France said that above the FF1 billion committed fordesertification, FF440 million will be allocated for bilateral financing ofprojects related to desertification and other areas under the scope ofthe GEF. Also in 1995, France will launch a programme to develop newenergy sources for Africa, since the cutting of trees for fuelwood is oneof the major causes of dryland degradation. Japan pledged an increasefrom US$7 to 7.7 billion in ODA for environmental projects indeveloping countries for the period 1992-1996.

The Convention remains open for signature at UN Headquarters in NewYork.

SIGNING CEREMONY IN PARIS

Eighty-seven countries signed the Convention to Combat Desertificationat a ceremony in Paris on 14-15 October 1994. (See box on page 6.)After signing the Convention, Governments " many represented by theirMinisters of Environment " announced their plans for implementing theConvention. Many countries suffering from desertification pledged tostep up their national programmes. Some announced that they weresetting up national action committees to coordinate their efforts withthose of non-governmental organizations, local communities, internationalagencies and donor governments.

A number of OECD countries announced aid packages, mostly to bereallocated from existing development funds, and to be used primarily toassist African countries in halting dryland degradation. The UnitedStates pledged US$500 million in current or planned projects to fightdesertification in Africa. The European Union said that US$443 millionwas recently added under the Lom‚ Convention to fight desertification,on top of the US$7.6 billion already committed. Germany pledged DM5million in technical cooperation to be added before the end of 1994 tothe DM1.8 billion already committed to combating desertification. Canadapledged over $100 million, drawn from exisiting development aid, to bedirected over the next five years to fight desertification, especially inWest Africa. Denmark announced that US$200 million has been allocatedfor the next fiscal year toward a new fund for international environmentand emergency assistance, with a goal of targeting one half percent ofGNP to this fund by the year 2004. This is above the 1% of GNP alreadyspent on ODA. France said that above the FF1 billion committed fordesertification, FF440 million will be allocated for bilateral financing ofprojects related to desertification and other areas under the scope ofthe GEF. Also in 1995, France will launch a programme to develop newenergy sources for Africa, since the cutting of trees for fuelwood is oneof the major causes of dryland degradation. Japan pledged an increasefrom US$7 to 7.7 billion in ODA for environmental projects indeveloping countries for the period 1992-1996.

The Convention remains open for signature at UN Headquarters in NewYork.

SECRETARIAT INFORMATION DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

The Secretariat has been working on a number of initiatives aimed atdisseminating information about the Convention. One such initiative is a"user friendly" version of the Convention, which will enable greaterpublic understanding of the Convention. This popular version of theConvention is expected to be completed by March 1995. Initially it willbe in English and French and the Secretariat hopes that it will be ableto translate it into other languages, including African languages, as well.

CILSS MINISTERIAL MEETING

The environment ministers of the member States of the Comit‚ PermanentInter-Etats de Lutte contre la S‚cheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS) met inOuagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 22-23 September 1994. The purpose ofthe meeting was to discuss subregional follow-up to the adoption of theConvention to Combat Desertification. The Ministers designated the CILSSas the agency responsible for the subregional action programme of theSahelian subregion, requested the CILSS to finalize the preparation ofsuch a programme by October 1995, and invited developed countries andinternational organizations to support this process in the framework of apartnership.

IGADD SUB-REGIONAL WORKSHOP

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD)held a subregional workshop of high level policy makers from 28-30September 1994 in Khartoum, Sudan. The purpose of the workshop wasto: pave the way for signing of the Convention and its early ratification;draw up action programmes and strategies for the implementation of theConvention at the subregional level; and agree on the activities and setup a time-frame for subregional action during the interim period.Participants recognized the need for advocacy at all levels of civilsociety, particularly at the national level among local communities, NGOsand other target groups at the grassroots level. Member States wereencouraged to establish national coordinating bodies and promote theintegration of strategic planning frameworks, across sectors and at alladministrative levels.With regard to action at the subregional level,participants agreed that IGADD should play a central role in thepreparation and elaboration of subregional programmes in conformitywith the Convention. IGADD should also review and prioritize existingprogrammes and undertake specific measures to ensure the establishmentof an advisory, technical and scientific network.

INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON DESERTIFICATION IN THE MAGHREB

The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) hosted an International Meeting onDesertification in the Maghreb from 5-6 October 1994, in Rabat, Morocco.One of the purposes of this meeting was to review the case study ondesertification in the Maghreb and reach agreement on a regionalprogramme to control desertification in the area for a ten-year period.Components of this regional programme include: the creation of aMaghrebian center for strategic studies, research and training for thedevelopment of arid zones; a support project for insuring coordination,programming and follow-up of desertification control activities;development of a regional network for continued monitoring ofecosystems; the development of a Maghrebian database on desertification;the development of a comprehensive scheme to control drought effects; aregional project for promoting the use of a participatory approach; apilot programme to control desertification in arid ecosystems; and anintegrated across-the-border development programme.

NGO ACTIVITIES

NGOs held two meetings November to discuss their role in implementingthe Convention to Combat Desertification. The first meeting was held inOugadougou, Burkina Faso, from 9-12 November 1994. This meeting wasaimed at developing an international NGO network called the "ReseauInternational des ONG sur la Desertification" (RIOD), which will helpcoordinate NGO participation in the preparation of national action plans.

The second meeting was held in Brussels from 28-30 November 1994.Participants examined the Convention and the challenges ofimplementation, including the European Union"s role in combatingdesertification, regional aspects in implementing the Convention,coordinated implementation, and the role of NGOs in implementation. Theyalso discussed a North-South NGO partnership and coordination ofEuropean NGOs in the implementation of the Convention.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHTS

The 49th United Nations General Assembly began its consideration ofAgenda Item 89(d), "Elaboration of an international convention to combatdesertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/ordesertification, particularly in Africa," on Friday, 21 October 1994.Although the debate on this issue was held in the General AssemblyPlenary, action was taken in the Second Committee. In connection withthis item, the General Assembly had before it the report of theSecretary-General on the UN Convention to Combat Desertification(document A/49/477) and a note by the Secretary-General transmittingthe reports of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for theElaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification(INCD) on its third, fourth and fifth sessions (A/49/84 and Addenda 1and 2).

During the course of the debate, most governments noted that thisConvention was innovative in its recognition of the physical, biologicaland socio-economic aspects of desertification. The Convention alsorecognizes the importance of redirecting technology transfer so that itis demand driven. The involvement of local populations in thedevelopment of national action programmes was also cited as aninnovative provision. Most delegates stressed that political commitment isessential at this stage if the Convention is to be a success. Developingcountries specifically mentioned the need for new and additionalfinancial resources. While many were pleased with the fact that 87nations signed the Convention in Paris, they urged more governments tosign the Convention in New York and called for rapid ratification andentry into force.

ALGERIA (ON BEHALF OF THE G-77 AND CHINA):

Amb. RamtaneLamamra expressed satisfaction with Convention"s legal framework thatprovides a multidimensional, action-oriented approach to combatdesertification worldwide. He expressed concern about the continuingproblems with the availability of funding and the slow pace of thetransfer of technology. He emphasized that the tenuous position ofAfrica warrants immediate action. He urged signatory countries to ratifywithout delay, and hoped that the links between the developed anddeveloping countries provided for in this Convention could serve as thebasis for new prospects in international cooperation.

GERMANY (ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN UNION):

Gerhard W.Henze said that combating desertification is a central element in theEU"s development cooperation programmes. The funds allocated for thispurpose through the Lom‚ Convention in 1992 alone amounted to US$1.9billion. The process of elaborating national action programmes indeveloping countries is of the utmost priority. A closely coordinatedeffort between donor countries and affected developing countries isimperative. The quick follow-up to the signing of the Convention, inparticular the resolution on the urgent action for Africa, must beensured.

CANADA:

Amb. John Fraser stressed the need for an integratedapproach to combating desertification. The affected countries have theresponsibility of assuming the leadership role in their own action plans,while the donor countries are there to provide financial and technicalsupport. The Canadian International Development Agency will commit $4million for urgent assistance to Africa as well as an additional $100million for anti- desertification programmes in Africa over the next fiveyears.

MAURITANIA:

Amb. Hamoud Ould Ely supported the unanimousadoption of the Convention and the identification of the need for urgentaction for Africa. The growing awareness worldwide is a result of theglobal nature of desertification. He expressed concern over the constantdelays in action and added that because of the scope and immediacy ofthe problem, no more delays can be tolerated. Remedies cannot be limitedto humanitarian operations.

INDIA:

Amb. T. P. Sreenivasan said that the most satisfyingfeature of this Convention is that it reflects a basic concern of thedeveloping world and seeks to tackle real human problems. TheConvention also correctly distinguishes between deserts and lands proneto desertification and drought. Adequate financial and appropriatetechnological resources need to be made available if the implementationof this Convention is to become a reality.

AUSTRALIA:

Richard Rowe stressed the need to ensure that theprovisions of the Convention are converted into effective and practicalaction. In Paris, the Australian Treasurer announced a specialcontribution of up to A$250,000 over several years to combatdesertification in Africa. Australia also plans to undertake a jointfeasibility study with the World Meteorological Organization for theestablishment of a network linking the two drought monitoring centresin Nairobi and Harare with the African Centre of MeteorologicalApplication for Development in Niamey.

NORWAY:

On behalf of the Nordic countries, Amb. ArneH"nningstad said that the Convention provides a framework for affectedcountries and peoples, as well as relevant organizations and donors, toaddress the serious problems caused by land degradation and theincreasing imbalance between people and available resources. The Nordiccountries will actively participate by reviewing development cooperationin areas such as poverty alleviation, land degradation and freshwater inlight of the provisions of the Convention.

ISRAEL:

Amb. Israel Eliashiv welcomed the coordinated activitiesaimed at supporting the effective implementation of the Convention andthe urgent measures for Africa. Israel has already initiated its activitiesunder the Convention by elaborating a master plan for an internationalcenter for combating desertification.

BENIN:

Amb. Ren‚ Val‚ry Mongbe said that the resolution onurgent action for Africa urges African countries to take steps toelaborate national action programmes and recommends that Africancountries and donors strengthen their partnerships. Countries mustshow their firm commitment to the resolution of this problem. Withregards to technical assistance, the African Annex mentions the need togive preference to African experts whose services will be cheaper thanthose of foreign consultants. Now the time has come to join actions withwords.

BANGLADESH:

Amb. Reaz Rahman said that Bangladesh fullysupports the need for priority to be accorded to affected Africancountries. Bangladesh attaches particular importance to theimplementation of preventive measures for lands that are not yetdegraded. The role of NGOs is critical for effective implementation andfollow-up. Bangladesh supports the idea of the global mechanism andhopes that it will be successful in the mobilization and channelling ofsubstantial financial resources, including the transfer of technology on agrant basis or on concessional terms.

LIBYA:

Amb. Mohamed A. Azwai said that desertification is one ofthe most important problems facing Africa. The need to combatdesertification is now widely recognized and Libya hopes that theConvention will enjoy the necessary political and financial support.Libya has established a special institute to combat desertification, butefforts have been hampered by two factors " the mines planted duringWorld War II and the unjust embargo that has paralyzed researchprojects.

FRANCE:

Herve Ladsous said that the signing ceremony held inParis exceeded all expectations. As a result of this Convention, donorscan become true partners with the countries in need. France will makeimplementation of the Convention one of its priorities, with assistancecommitted to reducing the effects of desertification at FF$1 billion peryear, plus a contribution to the GEF.

IRAN:

The representative said that INCD-6, in January 1995, is ofsignificant importance to ensure progress in combating desertification.The implementation of the Convention depends on the provision ofsubstantial new and additional financial resources " between US$10 and22.4 billion, as estimated by UNEP. The GEF will serve as a financingsource for the Convention, but the GEF replenishment is insufficient.

BARBADOS:

Amb. Besley Maycock, on behalf of the 12 States ofthe Caribbean Community, supported the call for prompt action to combatdesertification. The Convention is a balanced document that addressesphysical, biological, social and cultural issues related to desertification.The focus on the elaboration of action programmes is important. TheCaricom States expressed hope for the necessary political will during theimplementation stage to ensure the early and effective operation of theConvention once it enters into force.

MONGOLIA:

The representative said that a concerted response ofall actors at the national and international levels is needed to implementthe Convention. One of the significant aspects of the Convention lies inits addressing food security and other socio-economic causes ofdesertification. The momentum created by the adoption of the Conventionmust be sustained. NGOs and local populations must be involved in theformulation of national action plans. He stressed the importance of newand additional resources and expressed hope that the global mechanismwill help mobilize these resources.

TUNISIA:

Amb. Slaheddine Abdellah said that the binding natureof this Convention is a positive step in the implementation of thecommitments undertaken in Rio. At the OAU Summit in Tunis in June1994, African States committed to setting up the necessary structuresfor the application of the Convention and the African Annex. Affectedcountries need technical and financial support. The internationalcommunity, in particular the donor countries, needs to afford theimportance due to desertification as a worldwide environmental problem.

UGANDA:

The representative said that there is insufficientfunding available for combating desertification. The case for new andadditional funding must be recognized. He appealed to the internationalcommunity to support early implementation for Africa with regard tofinance and technology. The interim secretariat should undertakeactivities on issues such as the financial mechanism and the Committeeon Science and Technology.

NIGERIA:

The representative underscored the continued relevanceof international efforts to combat desertification and drought. The mostsignificant accomplishment of the INCD is the international attention thathas been mobilized around desertification. The negotiations have linkedthose affected with desertification with donors, UN agencies, IGOs andNGOs and have laid the foundation for future global partnershiparrangements. He called on the international community to provide thenecessary financial and technological assistance.

TANZANIA:

Amb. Daudi N. Mwakawago said that the internationalcommunity should take measures to reduce the excessive burden of debton developing countries and to check deteriorating rates of exchangeand improve international economic relations. Particular attention shouldbe directed at increasing financial and technical assistance to help poordeveloping countries implement their strategies for development of arid,semi-arid and dry sub-humid zones. The international community shouldmobilize the existing network of institutions to effectively organize thegathering, analysis and distribution of data in the observation andforecasting of drought and desertification.

SUDAN:

The representative said that Sudan has established asupreme council on environment and natural resources to implement theConvention. Widespread grassroots reforestation campaigns are currentlyunderway to combat desertification. While Sudan welcomes theConvention, there is concern that it will remain a "dead letter" if itdoes not have the necessary financing.

PHILIPPINES:

The representative said that subregional, regionaland international collaboration is essential to mitigate the effects ofdrought. Countries in South Asia suffering from drought should havebeen considered as affected countries under the Convention. Theprevention of drought helps prevent land degradation anddesertification. The Philippines will pursue this issue at the firstmeeting of the Conference of the Parties. The Philippines joined theConvention in the hope that drought-affected countries in South Asiawill not be left out.

PAKISTAN:

Mir Mushtaq Ali Talpur said that failure to deal withdrought and desertification accelerates impoverishment of thepopulations in dry lands and exacerbates famine and drought relief,thereby diverting resources from addressing long-term developmentissues. Substantial new and additional resources are needed since nearlyUS$22 billion will be required annually for the next 20 years to financethe rehabilitation of land and halt the decline in fertility. Adequatetechnology and know-how are also critical. He welcomed the decision thatUNSO will now deal with the needs of all countries facing drought anddesertification.

JAPAN:

Amb. Shunji Maruyama said that Japan has announced aplan to increase ODA for environmental projects from US$7 billion toUS$7.7 billion over the five-year period from 1992 through 1996. TheAfrican Programme for the Supply of Potable Water provides grant aidfor the development of groundwater and water-supply systems. To assistin the implementation of the Convention, Japan will: strengthen thedialogue with affected countries to see if projects carried out withJapanese ODA are actually helping to combat desertification; dispatchsurvey missions to clarify needs in the field; and assist in thedevelopment of programmes of action in the most affected countries.

CHINA:

The representative said that the Chinese Government hasput enormous human and material resources to combating desertificationand hopes that the international community will help them combatdesertification more effectively. The rights and obligations under thisConvention are not balanced between developed and developingcountries. The shortage of financial resources is a major element in thelack of desertification prevention. He urged the international communityto help developing countries with financial resources and technology toassure implementation of the Convention.

BRAZIL:

On behalf of the Rio Group (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil,Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay,Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela), Amb. Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg noted thatdesertification and drought affects 75% of the land surface in LatinAmerica. Major amounts of resources and international cooperation areneeded to combat desertification. The Rio Group recognizes that theproblem is of extreme importance in Africa and stresses the need forpreventive measures.

THE GAMBIA:

The representative said that The Gambia willcontinue to review and improve its national action programmes andcoordinate its efforts with other parties at the regional and subregionallevels, however, more financial and technical resources are needed. Thesuccess of the global mechanism will be based on the contribution of theParties. He called on the international community to cooperate in theimplementation of the Convention. He also expressed support for theadoption of a resolution to enable the Secretariat to function duringthe interim period.

SENEGAL:

Amb. K‚ba Birane Ciss‚ said the global dimension ofdesertification and drought is now a fact and priority is now recognizedfor Africa. The innovations introduced by the Convention include thataction will be carried out at all levels with the participation of thepopulations concerned, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. Only concrete results in the field will allowmeasurement of success. Sufficient financial and technical resources areneeded, however, the bilateral and multilateral commitments announced atthe signing ceremony are promising.

UNITED STATES:

Herman Gallegos said that the US has identifiedUS$500 million in current or planned projects that can be utilized tosupport the Convention. African countries have to decide how they willuse the Convention to meet their own anti- desertification plans andprogrammes. He called for reducing the January meeting of the INCD toone week, cancelling the May meeting and postponing a decision onmeetings in 1996 until the January session. The US believes that thesecretariat should not assume the burden of reviewing preparation ofaction programmes and other activities under the urgent actionresolution.

ETHIOPIA:

The representative appealed to partners in developedcountries to make available adequate, timely and predictable financialresources and technical assistance, especially for the least developedand African countries. It is imperative to ensure effective participationof developing countries during the interim period. He also called forcontributions to the voluntary fund. The secretariat for the Conventionshould be located in Africa and its location should be the subject ofdiscussion at the first Conference of the Parties.

KENYA:

Amb. Francis K. Muthaura said that a critical element inthe success of the strategy is the financial mechanism, with theemphasis on multiple-source financing. The concrete responses that theConvention will be able to attract from donor countries and internationalorganizations will determine the impact of the Convention on local effortsto combat desertification and achieve sustainable development. Hesupported the call for two interim meetings each in 1995 and 1996 andone meeting in 1997. He called for more contributions to the voluntaryfund.

BOTSWANA:

Constance Mompei noted that socio-economic factors,including an unevenly distributed but rapidly growing population,concentrated livestock rearing activities and poor arable farmingpractices, aggravate the already vulnerable landscape of Botswana.Regional cooperation is essential and Botswana has started to consultwith its neighbors to prepare the Kgalagadi/ Namib Action Plan tocombat desertification.

BURKINA FASO:

The representative said the Convention ensures abalance between the globality of desertification and the specific natureof certain regions. Burkina Faso has put together a nationalenvironmental programme. The necessary resources must be providedand the institutional, financial and follow-up machinery must be availableas soon as possible.

ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY:

The representative welcomedthe completion of the Convention. The effects of desertification anddrought in Africa must be checked if the continent is to have a firmbasis for sustainable development. The Convention will be meaningfulonly if it is effectively and promptly implemented. He called on theinternational community to ratify and implement the Convention.

GENERAL ASSMEBLY RESOLUTION

Algeria, on behalf of the G-77 and China, introduced the draft resolutionon the Convention to Combat Desertification in the Second Committee on15 November 1994. During the informal consultations on this draftresolution, it appeared that the major problem was the number ofmeetings that that INCD would need during the interim period. Whereasthe original draft resolution (A/C.2/49/L.13) called for two two-weeksessions each in 1995 and 1996 and one in 1997, a number of developedcountries did not feel that such a large number of meetings wasnecessary. The final consensus was that, in addition to the sixth meetingof the INCD in January 1995 (which was already approved by the 48thsession of the General Assembly last year), there will be a two-weeksession in Nairobi from 7-18 August 1995, and, "pending the entry intoforce of the Convention, to hold further necessary sessions in 1996 and1997, the venue and timing of which shall be recommended by theIntergovernmental Negotiating Committee."

The final resolution (A/C.2/49/L.30), which emerged from informalconsultations, was adopted by the Second Committee on 7 December 1994.It is expected to be formally adopted by the General Assembly Plenarybefore Christmas. The resolution decides that the INCD will continue tofunction in order to:

• prepare for the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention;

• facilitate the implementation of the provisions of resolution 5/1 of the INCD on urgent action for Africa, through the exchange of information and the review of progress made thereon;

• initiate measures relating to the identification of an organization to house the global mechanism to promote actions leading to the mobilization and channelling of substantial financial resources, including its operational modalities;

• elaborate the rules of procedure for the Conference of the Parties; and

• consider other relevant issues, including measures to ensure the implementation of the Convention and its regional annexes.

The resolution also urges countries to sign and ratify the Convention,and calls on all countries, the UN system, appropriate scientific andbusiness communities, trade unions, NGOs and other interested groupsto take action for the prompt implementation of the Convention and itsrelevant regional annexes upon its entry into force. During the interimperiod before entry into force, the resolution urges all relevant actorsto take actions and measures to implement the resolution on urgentaction for Africa. The Secretariat will continue to function and befunded through existing UN budgetary resources and voluntarycontributions.

After the resolution was adopted, the Philippines took the floor to saythat while it joined the consensus, it feels that tropical humid areashave not been sufficiently considered in the Convention. The resolutionshould have mentioned combating drought, but these elements wereremoved. Algeria, on behalf of the G-77, thanked everyone for joiningthe consensus and said that hope is now reborn with the signing of thisConvention. Now we need to see rapid entry into force. Benin supportedthe G-77 statement and appealed to all countries to take urgent stepsfor Africa by supporting national and sub-regional action programmes.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN 1995

SIXTH SESSION OF THE INCD: The sixth session of the INCD willmeet in New York from 9-20 January 1995. The objective of this sessionwill be to review the situation before the Convention enters into force,in particular with regard to the implementation of provisions that are tobe adapted to the specific needs of each region. The provisional agendafor this session, as adopted in Paris, includes: adoption of the agendaand organization of work; work programme for the interim period;preparation for the Conference of the Parties; status of signature andratification of the Convention; review of the situation as regardsextrabudgetary funds; and adoption of the report.