Convention to combat desertification in those experiencing
particularly
Opened Paris 14 1994
Authentic texts: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
Registered ex officio on 26 December 1996.
MULTILATIRAL
Convention sur la lutte contre la desertification touches secheresse desertification,
Ouverte 'a
i Textes authentiques : arabe, chinois, anglais, franvais, russe et espagnol.
Enregistrge d'office le 26 decembre Vol. 1954, 1-33480
No. 33480
MULTILATERAL
Convention to combat desertification in those countries experieucing
serious drought and/or desertification, particularly
in Africa (with annexes). Opened for signature at
Paris on 14 October 1994
Authentic texts: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
Registered ex officio on 26 December 1996.
MULTILAT~RAL
Convention snr la lutte contre la d~sertification dans les pays
gravement touch~s par la s~cheresse et/ou la d~sertification,
en particulier en Afrique (avec annexes). Onverte a
la signature a Paris le 14 octobre 1994
Textes authentiques : arabe, chinois, anglais, fran~ais, russe et espagnol.
Enregistr~e d'office le 26 d~cembre 1996.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
108 - * - Traitis 1996
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION 1 TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION
COUNTRIES SERIOUS
DROUGHT AND/OR PARTICULARLY The Parties to this Convention,
Affirming that human beings in affected or threatened areas are at the
centre of concerns to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought,
Reflectitg the urgent concern of the international community, States and international organizations, about the adverse of
desertification and drought,
that humid significant proportion of the Earth's land area and are the habitat and source
of livelihood for a large segment of its population,
that desertification and drought are of dimension in that they affect all regions of the world and that joint action of
the international community is needed to combat desertification and/or mitigate
the effects of drought,
I on 26 December 1996, in accordance with article 36 (1):
Date of deposit
Participant oracceptance (A)
Afghanistan ........................................ 1 November a
Algeria* ............................................... 22 M ay 1996
Bangladesh ......................................... 26 January 1996
................................................... 29 August Bolivia ................................................. 1 Botswana ............................................ 11 September 1996
...................................... 26 January Canada ................................................ 1 December 1995
Cape Verde .......................................... 8M ay 1995
Central African Republic .................. September 1996
.................................................... Denmark ............................................. 22 December 1995
Ecuador ............................................... Egypt ................................................... Eritrea ................................................. 14 August 1996
................................................ 1995A
Gabon .................................................. 6 September Gambia ................................................ I1June 1996
Germany ....................l.O. J.u.l.y ......1.9.96............
Guinea-Bissau .................................... 27 October 1995
Haiti ..................................................... 25 September 1996
Israel .................................................... 26 M arch Lao Republic. 1996 A
Lebanon .............................................. M ay 1996
Lesotho ............................................... 12 September 1995
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya ................... 22 July 1996
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
Date of deposit
of the instrument
ofratification,
accession (a)
or acceptance (A)
M alawi ................................................. 13 June ...................... M auritania .......................................... M auritius ............................................. 23 January M exico ................................................ . M ongolia ............................................. 1996
Netherlands* ...................................... 1995 A
N iger .................................................... ................... 30 August Om an ................................................... 23 July 1996a
Panam a ................................................ 4A pril Peru ..................................................... Novem ber Portugal ............................................... 1 A pril 1996
Senegal ................................................ 26 July 1995
....................... ...................... ................... ................ 19 January ...................... 4 October 1995 A
Tunisia .................... ..................................... ................. Zambia ................................................ 19 109)
108 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 1996
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION1 TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION
IN THOSE COUNTRIES EXPERIENCING SERIOUS
DROUGHT AND/OR DESERTIFICATION, PARTICULARLY IN
AFRICA
The Parties to this Convention,
Affirming that human beings in affected or threatened areas are at the
centre of concerns to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought,
Reflecting the urgent concern of the international community, including
States and international organizations, about the adverse impacts of
desertification and drought,
Aware that arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas together account for a
significant proportion of the Earth's land area and are the habitat and source
of livelihood for a large segment of its population,
Acknowledging that desertification and drought are problems of global
dimension in that they affect all regions of the world and that joint action of
the international community is needed to combat desertification and/or mitigate
the effects of drought,
Date of deposit
of the instrument
of ratification,
accession(Participant oracceptance(Malawi 131une 1996
Mali 31 October 1995
Mauritania 7 August 1996
Mauritius 23January 1996
Mexico 3 April 1995
Micronesia (Federated States of) ••. 25 March 1996
Mongolia............................................. 3 September I 996
Netherlands...........so.sass.as........ 27 June 19954
(For the Kingdom in Europe.)
Niger 19 January 1996
Norway 30August 1996
Oman 231uly 1996a
Panama 4April 1996
Peru..................................................... 9 November 1995
Portugal............................................... I April 1996
Senegal 261uly 1995
Spain 30 January 1996
Sudan 24 November 1995
Sweden 12 December 1995
Switzerland 191anuary 1996
Togo 4October 1995A
Tunisia................................................. 11 October 1995
Turkmenistan 18 September 1996
Uzbekistan 31 October 1995
Zambia I 9 September 1996
(Continued on page I09)
1 Came into force (I):
Date of deposit
of the instrument
of ratification,
accession (a)
Participant oracceptance(A)
Afghanistan........................................ I November 1995 a
Algeria• 22 May 1996
Bangladesh 261anuary 1996
Benin 29August 1996
Bolivia................................................. I August 1996
Botswana II September 1996
BurkinaFaso 261anuary 1996
Canada................................................ I December 1995
Cape Verde.......................................... 8 May I 995
Central African Republic 5 September I 996
Chad 27 September 1996
Denmark 22December 1995
Ecuador............................................... 6 September 1995
Egypt................................................... 7 July 1995
Eritrea 14August 1996
Finland 20 September 1995 A
Gabon 6 September 1996a
Gambia I I June 1996
Germany IO July 1996
Guinea-Bissau 27 October 1995
Haiti 25 September 1996
Israel... 26March 1996
Lao People's Democratic Republic . 20 September 1996A
Lebanon 16 May 1996
Lesotho 12September 1995
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya................... 22July 1996
United - * - Traitks Noting Noting also among
Considering relevant aspects of international
Conscious Mindful Appreciating States
combat
Desertification in Realizing Recognizing Reaffirming I In addition, and prior to the entry into force of the Convention, the following States deposited an instrument of
.............................................. Island.
(With effect from 5 January 1997.)
With effect from 16 January 1997.)
N epal ...................................................... 15 October 1996
..................................................... (With effect from 13 January 1997.)
19 January United Kingdom of Great Britain
Morocco ................................................. November and Northern Ireland" .................... 18 October 1996
With effect from 5 (In respect of the United Kingdom
........................................................ of Great Britain and Northern Ire- (With effect from 17 March 1997.)
land, the British Virgin Islands,
* See p. 384 of this volume for the text of the declarations made upon ratification and acceptance.
** Subsequently, on 24 December 1996, the Government of the United Kingdom notified the Secretary-General
that the Convention would apply to Montserrat.
Date of deposit
G hana .................................................................................................................................... D ec em ber Vol. 1954, 1-33480
1996 Uuited Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 109
the high concentration of developing countries, notably the least
developed countries, among those experiencing serious drought and/or
desertification, and the particularly tragic consequences of these phenomena in
Africa,
that desertification is caused by complex interactions physical, biological, political, social, cultural and economic factors,
the impact of trade and economic relations on the ability of affected countries to combat
desertification adequately,
that sustainable economic growth, social development and poverty
eradication are priorities of affected developing countries, particularly in
Africa, and are essential to meeting sustainability objectives,
that desertification and drought affect sustainable development
through their interrelationships with important social problems such as poverty,
poor health and nutrition, lack of food security, and those arising from
migration, displacement of persons and demographic dynamics,
the significance of the past efforts and experience of states
and international organizations in combating desertification and mitigating the
effects of drought, particularly in implementing the Plan of Action to Combat
Desertification which was adopted at the United Nations Conference on
Desertification in 1977,
that, despite efforts in the past, progress in combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought has not met expectations
and that a new and more effective approach is needed at all levels within the
framework of sustainable development,
the validity and relevance of decisions adopted at the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development, particularly of Agenda 21 and
its chapter 12, which provide a basis for combating desertification,
in this light the commitments of developed countries as
contained in paragraph 13 of chapter 33 of Agenda 21,
(Footnote l continued from page 108)
ratification:
Swaziland ,.............. 7 October 1996
Witheffectfrom5January Nepal ,. 13January Ireland** Ireland,
See p. 384 of this volume for the text of the declarations made upon ratification and acceptance.
Subsequently, on 24 December 1996, the Government of the United Kingdom notified the Secretary-General
Moreover, the Convention came into force for the following participant on the ninetieth day after the date of its
instrument of ratrification, in accordance with article 36 (2):
Saint Helena and Ascension Island
16January Jordan , .. , 21 October 1996
(With effect from 19January 1997.)
Morocco...........................s6............0...... 7 NoveInber 1996
(Witheffectfrom5 February 1997.)
India ,............ 17 December 1996
Participant
Ghana , .
(With effect from 27 March 1997.)
Date of deposit
of the instrument
of ratification
27 December 1996
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
110 United Nations - Treaty Series e Nations Unies Recueil des Traitis Recalling General Assembly resolution 47/188,1 particularly it prescribed for Africa, and all other relevant United Nations resolutions,
decisions and programmes on desertification and drought, as well declarations by African countries and those from other regions,
Reaffirming the Rio Declaration on Environment which
states, in its Principle 2, that States have, in accordance with the Charter of
the United Nations and the principles of international law, the to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental and
developmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment States or of areas beyond the limits that national Governments play a critical in desertification and mitigating the effects of drought and that progress in that
respect depends on local implementation of action programmes in affected areas,
Recognizing also the importance and necessity of international cooperation
and partnership in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
drought,
Recognizing further the importance of the provision countries, particularly in Africa, of effective means, inter alia substantial
financial resources, including new and additional funding, technology, without which it will be difficult for them to implement fully their
commitments under this Convention,
concern over the impact of affected countries in Central Asia and the the important role played by women in regions desertification and/or drought, particularly in rural areas countries, and the importance of ensuring the full participation of both men and
women at all levels in programmes to combat effects of drought,
major groups in programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the drought,
the relationship between environmental problems of global dimension facing communities,
also the make to achieving the objectives of the United Nations Framework Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity and other related
environmental conventions,
that effects of drought will be most effective if they are based on sound observation and rigorous scientific knowledge and if they are continuously reevaluated,
I United Nations, Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-seventh Session, Supplement No. 49 (A/47/49),
137.
110 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueii des Trait~s 1996
Recalling General Assembly resolution 47/188,1 particularly the priority in
it prescribed for Africa, and all other relevant United Nations resolutions,
decisions and programmes on desertification and drought, as well as relevant
declarations by African countries and those from other regions,
Reaffirming the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development whioh
states, in its Principle 2, that States have, in accordance with the Charter of
the United Nations and the principles of international law, the sovereign right
to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental and
developmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities within
their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other
States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction,
Recognizing that national Governments play a oritical role in combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought and that progress in that
respect dependa on local implementation of action programmes in affected areas,
Recognizing also the importance and necessity of international cooperation
and partnership in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
drought,
Recognizing further the importance of the provision to affected developing
countries, particularly in Africa, of effective means, inter alie substantial
financial resources, including new and additional funding, and access to
technology, without which it will be difficult for them to implement fully their
commitments under this Convention,
Expressing concern over the impact of desertification and drought on
affected countries in Central Asia and the Transcaucasus,
Stressing the important role played by women in regions affected by
desertification and/or drought, particularly in rural areas of developing
countries, and the importanoe of ensuring the full participation of both men and
women at all levels in programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the
effects of drought,
Emphasizing the special role of non-governmental organizations and other
major groups in programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought,
Bearing in mind the relationship between desertification and other
environmental problems of global dimension facing the international and national
communities,
Bearing also in mind the contribution that combating desertification can
make to achieving the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change, the Convention on Biologioal Diversity and other related
environmental conventions,
Believing that strategies to combat desertification and mitigate the
effects of drought will be most effective if they are based on sound systematic
observation and rigorous scientific knowledge and if they are continuously reevaluated,
1 United Nations, Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-seventh Session, Supplement No. 49 (A/47/49),
p. Vol. 1954, 1-33480
* Recueil Traitks
Recognizing the urgent need to improve the effectiveness and coordination
of international cooperation to facilitate the implementation of national plans
Have PART I
Use of a) desertification" b) combating i) ii) iii) c) drought" d) mitigating e) "land" f) land degradation" dry
humid i) Vol. 1954, 1-33480
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Reeueil des Trait~s 111
Recognizing the urgent need to improve the effectiveness and coordination
of international cooperation to facilitate the implementation of national plans
and priorities,
Determined to take appropriate action in combating desertification and
mitigating the effects of drought for the benefit of present and future
generations,
agreed as follows:
INTRODUCTION
Article 1
terms
For the purposes of this Convention:
(a) "desertification means land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry
sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic
variations and human activities;
(b) "combating desertification" includes activities which are part of the
integrated development of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid
areas for sustainable development which are aimed at:
(i) prevention and/or reduction of land degradation;
(ii) rehabilitation of partly degraded land; and
(iii) reclamation of desertified land;
(c) "drought means the naturally occurring phenomenon that exists when
precipitation has been significantly below normal recorded levels,
causing serious hydrological imbalances that adversely affect land
resource production systems;
(d) "mitigating the effects of drought" means activities related to the
prediction of drought and intended to reduce the vulnerability of
society and natural systems to drought as it relates to combating
desertification;
(e) land" means the terrestrial bio-productive system that comprises
soil, vegetation, other biota, and the ecological and hydrological
processes that operate within the system;
(f) "land degradation means reduction or loss, in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas, of the biological or economic productivity and
complexity of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture,
forest and woodlands resulting from land uses or from a process or
combination of processes, including processes arising from human
activities and habitation patterns, such as:
(i) soil erosion caused by wind and/or water;
United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Traitis
(ii) deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or
economic properties of soil; and
(iii) long-term loss of natural vegetation;
(g) "arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas" means areas, other than
polar and sub-polar regions, in which the ratio of annual
precipitation to potential evapotranspiration falls within the range
from 0.05 to 0.65;
(h) "affected areas" means arid, semi-arid and/or dry sub-humid areas
affected or threatened by desertification;
(i) "affected countries" means countries whose lands include, in whole or
in part, affected areas;
(j) "regional economic integration organization" means an organization
constituted by sovereign States of a given region which has competence
in respect of matters governed by this Convention and has been duly
authorized, in accordance with its internal procedures, to sign,
ratify, accept, approve or accede to this Convention;
(k) *developed country Parties" means developed country Parties and
regional economic integration organizations constituted by developed
countries.
Article 2
Objective
1. 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.
2. Achieving this objective will involve long-term integrated strategies
that focus simultaneously, in affected areas, on improved productivity of land,
and the rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and
water resources, leading to improved living conditions, in particular at the
community level.
Article 3
Principles
In order to achieve the objective of this Convention and to implement its
provisions, the Parties shall be guided, inter alia, by the following:
(a) the Parties should ensure that decisions on the design and
implementation of programmes to combat desertification and/or mitigate
the effects of drought are taken with the participation of populations
and local communities and that an enabling environment is created at
higher levels to facilitate action at national and local levels;
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
112 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s M96
(ii) deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or
economic properties of soil; and
(iii) long-term loss of natural vegetation;
(g) "arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas" means areas, other than
polar and sub-polar regions, in which the ratio of annual
precipitation to potential evapotranspiration falls within the range
from 0.05 to 0.65;
(h) "affected areas means arid, semi-arid and/or dry sub-humid areas
affected or threatened by desertification;
(i) "affected countries means countries whose lands include, in whole or
in part, affected areas;
(j) "regional economic integration organization means an organization
constituted by sovereign States of a given region which has competence
in respect of matters governed by this Convention and has been duly
authorized, in accordance with its internal procedures, to sign,
ratify, accept, approve or accede to this Convention;
(k) developed country Parties" means developed country Parties and
regional economic integration organizations constituted by developed
countries.
1996
Article 2
Objective
1. 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.
2. Achieving this objective will involve long-term integrated strategies
that focus simultaneously, in affected areas, on improved productivity of land,
and the rehabilitation, ccnservation and sustainable management of land and
water resources, leading to improved living conditions, in particular at the
community level.
Article 3
Principles
In order to achieve the objective of this Convention and to implement its
provisions, the Parties shall be gnided, inter alia, by the following:
(a) the Parties should ensure that decisions on the design and
implementation of programmes to combat desertification and/or mitigate
the effects of drought are taken with the participation of populations
and local communities and that an enabling environment is created at
higher levels to facilitate action at national and local levels;
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
1996 - * - Traitis b) c) d) PART and the a) desertification b) conducive to the promotion of sustainable development;
c) desertification d) cooperation protection e) f) g) determine h) the use of existing bilateral and multilateral financial
Vol. 1954. United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 113
(b) the Parties should, in a spirit of international solidarity and
partnership, improve cooperation and coordination at subregional,
regional and international levels, and better focus financial, human,
organizational and technical resources where they are needed;
(c) the Parties should develop, in a spirit of partnership, cooperation
among all levels of government, communities, non-governmental
organizations and landholders to establish a better understanding of
the nature and value of land and scarce water resources in affected
areas and to work towards their sustainable use; and
(d) the Parties should take into full consideration the special needs and
circumstances of affected developing country Parties, particularly the
least developed among them.
II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 4
General obligations
1. The Parties shall implement their obligations under this Convention,
individually or jointly, either through existing or prospective bilateral and
multilateral arrangements or a combination thereof, as appropriate, emphasizing
the need to coordinate efforts end develop a coherent long-term strategy at all
levels.
2. In pursuing the objective of this Convention, 'the Parties shall:
(a) adopt an integrated approach addressing the physical, biological and
socio-economic aspects of the processes of desertificaticn and
drought;
(b) give due attention, within the relevant international and regional
bodies, to the situation of affected developing country Parties with
regard to international trade, marketing arrangements and debt with a
view to establishing an enabling international economic environment
conducive to the promotion of sustainable development;
(c) integrate strategies for poverty eradication into efforts to combat
desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;
(d) promote cooperation among affected country Parties in the fields of
environmental protecticn and the conservation of land and water
resources, as they relate to desertification and drought;
(e) strengthen subregional, regional and international cooperation;
(f) cooperate within relevant intergovernmental organizations;
(g) determine institutional mechanisms, if appropriate, keeping in mind
the need to avoid duplication; and
(h) promote the use of existing bilateral and multilateral financial
mechanisms and arrangements that mobilize and channel substantial
financial resources to affected developing country Parties in
combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- * - Traitks S
Obligations of a) with
b) c) eocio-economic to
desertification processes;
d) and
e) term 6
Obligations of developed Parties
addition a) individually affected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa, the least developed countries, to combat desertification the effects of drought;
(b) provide substantial assist affected developing country Parties, particularly those Africa, effectively to develop and implement their own long-term and strategies to combat c) b);
d) other non-governmental sources; (e) promote and facilitate by how.
114 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 1996
3. Affected developing country Parties are eligible for assistance in the
implementation of the Convention.
Article 5
affected country Parties
In addition to their obligations pursuant to article 4, affected country
Parties undertake to:
(a) give due priority to combating desertification and mitigating the
effects of drought, and allocate adequate resources in accordance with
their circumstances and capabilities;
(b) establish strategies and priorities, within the framework of
sustainable development plans and/or policies, to combat
desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;
(c) address the underlying causes of desertification and pay special
attention to the sooio-economic factors contributing to
desertification processes;
(d) promote awareness and facilitate the participation of local
populations, particularly women and youth, with the support of
non-governmental organizations, in efforts to combat desertification
and mitigate the effects of drought; and
(e) provide an enabling environment by strengthening, as appropriate,
relevant existing legislation and, where they do not exist, enacting
new laws and establishing long-term policies and action programmes.
Article,6
country In additicn to their general obligations pursuant to article 4, developed
country Parties undertake to:
(a) actively support, as agreed, or jointly, the efforts of
and
and mitigate
b) financial resources and other forms of support to
in
term plans
desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought;
(c) promote the mobilization of new and additional funding pursuant to
article 20, paragraph 2 (b);
(d) encourage the mobilization of funding from the private sector and
and
e) access affected country Parties,
particularly affected developing country Parties, to appropriate
technology, knowledge and know-how.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
e - Traitks
Article 7
for The relevant
2 observation information collection Article 9
Permanent Secretariat in writing of its intention to prepare a national action
programme, shall, as appropriate, prepare, make public and implement national
I Umted Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1760, No. 1-30619.
2 Ibid, vol. 1771, No. 1-30822.
Vol. 1954. 1-33480
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 115
Priority Africa
In implementing this Convention, the Parties shall give priority to
affected African country Parties, in the light of the particular situation
prevailing in that region, while not neglecting affected developing country
Parties in other regions.
Article 8
Relationship with other conventions
1. Parties shall encourage the coordination of activities carried out
under this Convention and, if they are Parties to them, under other relevant
international agreements, particularly the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Changel and the Convention on Biological Diversity,2 in order to derive
maximum benefit from activities under each agreement while avoiding duplication
of effort. The Parties shall encourage the conduct of joint programmes,
particularly in the fields of research, training, systematic observatior and
ir.formation collectior and exchange, to the extent that such activities may
contribute to achieving the objectives of the agreements concerned.
2. The provisions of this Convention shall not affect the rights
and obligations of any Party deriving from a bilateral, regional or international
agreement into which it has entered prior to the entry into force of this
Convention for it.
PART III
ACTION PROGRAMMES, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL
COOPERATION AND SUPPORTING MEASURES
Section 1: Action programmes
Article 9
Basic approach
1. In carrying out their obligations pursuant to article 5, affected
developing country Parties and any other affected country Party in the framework
of its regional implementation annex or, otherwise, that has notified the
Permanent Secretariat in writing of its intention to prepare a national action
programme, shall, as appropriate, prepare, make public and implement national
action programmes, utilizing and building, to the extent possible, on existing
relevant successful plans and programmes, and subregional and regional action
programmes, as the central element of the strategy to combat desertification and
mitigate the effects of drought. Such programmes shall be updated through a
continuing participatory process on the basis of lessons from field action, as
well as the results of research. The preparation of national action programmes
shall be closely interlinked with other efforts to formulate national policies
for sustainable development.
1 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1760, No. I-30619.
1bid., vol. 1771, No. 1-30822.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
116 Nations - Treaty e - Traitis developing country Parties, through relevant multilateral organizations or both.
up 1. a) be
b) c) d) e) appropriate information and technology;
f) (g) 1954. United Natious Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 1996
2. In the provision by developed country Parties of different forms of
assistance under the terms of article 6, priority shall be given to supporting,
as agreed, national, subregional and regional action programmes of affected
developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa, either directly or
through relevant multilateral organizations or both.
3. The Parties shall encourage organs, funds and programmes of the United
Nations system and other relevant intergovernmental organizations, academic
institutions, the scientific community and non-governmental organizations in a
position to cooperate, in accordance with their mandates and capabilities, to
support the elaboration, implementation and follow-up of action programmes.
Article 10
National action programmes
1. The purpose of national action programmes is to identify the factors
contributing to desertification and practical measures necessary to combat
desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.
2. National action programmes shall specify the respective roles of
government, local communities and land users and the resources available and
needed. They shall, inter alia:
(a) incorporate long-term strategies to combat desertification and
mitigate the effects of drought, emphasize implementation and bo
integrated with national policies for sustainable development;
(b) allow for modifications to be made in response to changing
circumstances and be sufficiently flexible at the local level to cope
with different socio-economic, biological and geo-physical conditions;
(c) give particular attention to the implementation of preventive measures
for lands that are not yet degraded or which are only slightly
degraded;
(d) enhance national climatological, meteorological and hydrological
capabilities and the means to provide for drought early warning;
(e) promote policies and strengthen institutional frameworks which develop
cooperation and coordination, in a spirit of partnership, between the
donor community, governments at all levels, local populations and
community groups, and facilitate access by local populations to
appropriate information and technology;
(f) provide for effective participation at the local, national and
regional levels of non-governmental organizations and local
populations, both women and men, particularly resource users,
including farmers and pastoralists and their representative
organizations, in policy planning, decision-making, and implementation
and review of national action programmes; and
g) require regular review of, and progress reports on, their
implementation.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- 9 Traitis
3. National action programmes may include, inter alia, some or all of the
(a) establishment and/or strengthening, as appropriate, early warning
systems, including local joint systems the subregional and regional levels, and mechanisms for assisting
b) c) particularly d) e) 4. Taking into account the inter alia, measures in some or all of the following priority fields as they
relate to combating desertification food security;
sustainable
11
regional action programmes
mutatis mutandis strengthening of relevant institutions.
International cooperation
11999966 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 117
iner.alia, following measures to prepare for and mitigate the effects of drought:
a) of and national facilities and at
environmentally displaced persons;
(b) strengthening of drought preparedness and management, including
drought contingency plans at the local, national, subregional and
regional levels, which take into consideration seasonal to interannual
climate predictions;
(c) establishment and/or strengthening, as appropriate, of food security
systems, including storage and marketing facilities, in
rural areas;
(d) establishment of alternative livelihood projects that could provide
incomes in drought prone areas; and
(e) development of sustainable irrigation programmes for both crops and
livestock.
circumstances and requirements specific to
each affected country Party, national action programmes include, as appropriate,
inter alia, measures in some or all of the following priority fields as they
and mitigating the effects of drought in
affected areas and to their populations: promotion of alternative livelihoods
and improvement of national economic environments with a view to strengthening
programmes aimed at the eradication of poverty and at ensuring food security;
demographic dynamics; sustainable management of natural resources; sustainable
agricultural practices; development and efficient use of various energy sources;
institutional and legal frameworks; strengthening of capabilities for assessment
and systematic observation, including hydrological and meteorological services,
and capacity building, education and public awareness.
Article ll
Subregional and regional action programmes
Affected country Parties shall consult and cooperate to prepare, as
appropriate, in accordance with relevant regional implementation annexes,
subregional and/or regional action programmes to harmonize, complement and
increase the efficiency of national programmes. The provisions of article 10
shall apply mutatis.muCandia to subregional and regional programmes. Such
cooperation may include agreed joint programmes for the sustainable management
of transboundary natural resources, scientific and technical cooperation, and
Article 12
International cooperation
Affected country Parties, in collaboration with other Parties and the
international community, should cooperate to ensure the promotion of an enabling
international environment in the implementation of the Convention. Such
cooperation should also cover fields of technology transfer as well as
scientific research and development, information collection and dissemination
and financial resources.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- * - Recueil Traitks 1996
of programmes
1. a) b) c) d) action The Parties shall work closely together, directly and through relevant
intergovernmental organizations, in the elaboration and implementation of action
country intergovernmental and non-governmental impact priority Vol. 1954, 1-33480
118 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recneil des Trait~s Article 13
Support for the elaboration and implementation
of action programmes
l. Measures to support action programmes pursuant to article 9 include,
inter alia:
(a) financial cooperation to provide predictability for action programmes,
allowing for necessary long-term planning;
(b) elaboration and use of cooperation mechanisms which better enable
support at the local level, including action through non-governmental
organizations, in order to promote the replicability of successful
pilot programme activities where relevant;
(c) increased flexibility in project design, funding and implementation in
keeping with the experimental, iterative approach indicated for
participatory action at the local community level; and
(d) as appropriate, administrative and budgetary procedures that increase
the efficiency of cooperation and of support programmes.
2. In providing such support to affected developing country Parties,
priority shall be given to African country Parties and to least developed
country Parties.
Article 14
Coordination in the elaboration and
implementation of programmes
1. programmes.
2. The Parties shall develop operational mechanisms, particularly at the
national and field levels, to ensure the fullest possible coordination among
developed country Parties, developing Parties and relevant
organizations, in order to avoid
duplication, harmonize interventions and approaches, and maximize the of
assistance. In affected developing country Parties, ·priority will be given to
coordinating activities related to international cooperation in order to
maximize the efficient use of resources, to ensure responsive assistance, and to
facilitate the implementation of national action programmes and priorities under
this Convention.
Article 15
Regional implementation annexes
Elements for incorporation in action programmes shall be selected and
adapted to the socio-economic, geographical and climatic factors applicable to
affected country Parties or regions, as well as to their level of development.
Guidelines for the preparation of action programmes and their exact focus and
content for particular subregions and regions are set out in the regional
implementation annexes.
United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Traitks
Section 2: Scientific and technical cooperation
Article 16
Information collection, analysis and exchange
The Parties agree, according to their respective capabilities, to integrate
and coordinate the collection, analysis and exchange of relevant short term and
long term data and information to ensure systematic observation of land
degradation in affected areas and to understand better and assess the processes
and effects of drought and desertification. This would help accomplish,
inter alia, early warning and advance planning for periods of adverse climatic
variation in a form suited for practical application by users at all levels,
including especially local populations. To this end, they shall, as
appropriate:
(a) facilitate and strengthen the functioning of the global network of
institutions and facilities for the collection, analysis and exchange
of information, as well as for systematic observation at all levels,
which shall, inter alia:
i) aim to use compatible standards and systems;
(ii) encompass relevant data and stations, including in remote areas;
(iii) use and disseminate modern technology for data collection,
transmission and assessment on land degradation; and
(iv) link national, subregional and regional data and information
centres more closely with global information sources;
(b) ensure that the collection, analysis and exchange of information
address the needs of local communities and those of decision makers,
with a view to resolving specific problems, and that local communities
are involved in these activities;
(c) support and further develop bilateral and multilateral programmes and
projects aimed at defining, conducting, assessing and financing the
collection, analysis and exchange of data and information, including,
inter alia, integrated sets of physical, biological, social and
economic indicators;
(d) make full use of the expertise of competent intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations, particularly to disseminate relevant
information and experiences among target groups in different regions;
(e) give full weight to the collection, analysis and exchange of socioeconomic
data, and their integration with physical and biological
data;
Cf) exchange and make fully, openly and promptly available information
from all publicly available sources relevant to combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought; and
(g) subject to their respective national legislation and/or policies,
exchange information on local and traditional knowledge, ensuring
adequate protection for it and providing appropriate return from the
benefits derived from it, on an equitable basis and on mutually agreed
terms, to the local populations concerned.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
11999966 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s
Section 2: Scientific and technical cooperation
Article 16
119
Information collection, analysis and exchange
The Parties agree, according to their respective capabilities, to integrate
and coordinate the collection, analysis and exchange of relevant short term and
long term data and information to ensure systematic observation of land
degradation in affected areas and to understand better and assess the processes
and effects of drought and desertification. This would help accomplish,
inter alia, early warning and advance planning for periods of adverse climatic
variation in a form suited for practical application by users at all levels,
including especially local populations. To this end, they shall, as
appropriate:
(a) facilitate and strengthen the functioning of the global network of
institutions and facilities for the collection, analysis and exchange
of information, as well as for systematic observation at all levels,
which shall, inter alia:
(i) aim to use compatible standards and systems;
(ii) encompass relevant data and stations, including in remote areas;
(iii) use and disseminate modern technology for data collecticn,
transmission and assessment on land degradation; and
(iv) link national, subregional and regional data and information
centres more closely with global information sources;
(b) ensure that the collection, analysis and exchange of information
address the needs of local communities and those of decision makers,
with a view to resolving specific problems, and that local communities
are involved in these activities;
(c) support and further develop bilateral and multilateral programmes and
projects aimed at defining, conducting, assessing and financing the
collection, analysis and exchange of data and information, including,
inter. .alia. integrated sets of physical, biological, social and
economic indicators;
(d) make full use of the expertise of competent intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations, particularly to disseminate relevant
information and experiences among target groups in different regions;
(e) give full weight to the collection, analysis and exchange of socioeconomic
data, and their integration with physical and biological
data;
(f) exchange and make fully, openly and promptly available information
from all publicly available sources relevant to combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought; and
(g) subject to their respective national legislation and/or policies,
exchange information on local and traditional knowledge, ensuring
adequate protection for it and providing appropriate return from the
benefits derived from it, on an equitable basis and on mutually agreed
terms, to the local populations concerned.
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120 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recuell des Traitis 1996
Article 17
Research and developmenr
1. The Parties undertake, according to their respective capabilities, to
promote technical and scientific cooperation in the fields of combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought through appropriate national,
subregional, regional and international institutions. To this end, they shall
support research activities that:
(a) contribute to increased knowledge of the processes leading to
desertification and drought and the impact of, and distinction between,
causal factors, both natural and human, with a view to combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, and achieving
improved productivity as well as sustainable use and management of
resources;
(b) respond to well-defined objectives, address the specific needs of local
populations and lead to the identification and implementation of
solutions that improve the living standards of people in affected areas;
(c) protect, integrate, enhance and validate traditional and local knowledge.
know-how and practices, ensuring, subject to their respective national
legislation and/or policies, that the owners of that knowledge will
directly benefit on an equitable basis and on mutually agreed terms from
any commercial utilization of it or from any technological development
derived from that knowledge;
(d) develop and strengthen national, subregional and regional research
in affected developing country Parties, particularly in
Africa, including the development of local skills and the strengthening
of appropriate capacities, especially in countries with a weak research
base, giving particular attention to multidisciplinary and participative
socio-economic research;
(e) take into account, where relevant, the relationship between poverty,
migration caused by environmental factors, and desertification;
(f) promote the conduct of research between national,
international research in both
the public and private sectors, for the development of improved,
affordable for sustainable development
through effective participation of local populations and communities; and
g) the of resources in affected areas, by means
of, inter alia, priorities for and reflecting
different local conditions, should be included in action programmes. The
Conference of the Parties shall review research priorities periodically on the
advice of the Committee on Science and Vol. 1954, 1-33480
120 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies -- Recueil des Trait~s
Article 17
1996
Research and development
l. The Parties undertake, according to their respective capabilities, to
promote technical and scientific cooperation in the fields of combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought through appropriate national,
subregional, regional and international institutions. To this end, they shall
support research activities that:
(a) contribute to increased knowledge of the processes leading to
desertification and drought and the impact of, and distinction between,
causal factors, both natural and human, with a view to combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, and achieving
improved productivity as well as sustainable use and management of
resources;
(b) respond to well-defined objectives, address the specific needs of local
populations and lead to the identification and implementation of
solutions that improve the living standards of people in affected areas;
(c) protect, integrate, enhance and validate traditional and local knowledge,
know-how and practices, ensuring, subject to their respective national
legislation and/or policies, that the owners of that knowledge will
directly benefit on an equitable basis and on mutually agreed terms from
any commercial utilization of it or from any technological development
derived from that knowledge;
(d) develop and strengthen national, subregional and regional research
capabilities in affected developing country Parties, particularly in
Africa, including the development of local skills and the strengthening
of appropriate capacities, especially in countries with a weak research
hase, giving particular attention to multidisciplinsry and participative
socio-economic research;
(e) take into account, where relevant, the relationship between poverty,
migration caused by environmental factors, and desertification;
(f) promote the conduct of joint research programmes between national,
subregional, regional and international research organizations, in both
the public and private sectors, for the development of improved,
affordable and accessible technologies for sustainable development
through effective participation of local populations and communities; and
(g) enhance the availability of water resources in affected areas, by means
of, inter alia, cloud-seeding.
2. Research priorities for particular regions and subregions, reflecting
different local conditions, should be included in action programmes. The
Conference of the Parties shall review research priorities periodically on the
advice of the Committee on Science and Technology.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
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Transfer, acquisition, adaptation and
development of technology
1. The Parties undertake, with their
respective national legislation facilitate the financing of the of environmentally sound, economically relevant to effects of with a view to contributing to the affected areas. Such as appropriate, making full use intergovernmental non-governmental organizations. The Parties shall, in particular:
a) and
risks. acquired;
(b) facilitate including for specific needs populations, to the
of such technology;
(c) facilitate technology through
means;
(d) extend technology cooperation Parties,
including, where relevant, joint (e) take appropriate measures and
incentives, transfer,
acquisition and adaptation technology, and practices, including measures to ensure protection according subject legislation knowhow
practices and, to that end, they undertake to:
a) make technology, and their potential participation disseminate such where appropriate, relevant intergovernmental non-governmental (b) ensure that such technology, knowledge, addquately protected and populations on an
equitable basis and as mutually agreed, any of them or from any technological development derived c) and dissemination of
and practices or of the
of new technology based on them; and
1996 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies -- Recueil des Trait~s
Article 18
121
Transfer, acquisition, adaptation and
development of technology
as mutually agreed and in accordance with their
and/or policies, to promote, finance and/or
transfer, acquisition, adaptation and development
viable and socially acceptable technologies
combating desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought,
achievement of sustainable development in
cooperation shall be conducted bilaterally or multilaterally,
of the expertise of and
non-governmental organizations. (a) fully utilize relevant existing national, subregional, regional and
international information systems and clearing-houses for the
dissemination of information on available technologies, their sources,
their environmental risks and the broad terms under which they may be
acquired;
b) access, in particular by affected developing country Parties,
on favourable terms, on concessional and preferential terms,
as mutually agreed, taking into account the need to protect intellectual
property rights, to technologies most suitable to practical application
of local paying special attention to the
social, cultural, economic and environmental impact of such technology;
e) cooperation among affected country Parties through
financial assistance or other appropriate d) with affected developing country Parties,
ventures, especially to sectors which
foster alternative livelihoods; and
e) to create domestic market conditions and
fiscal or otherwise, conducive to the development, transfer,
of suitable knowledge, know-how
and practices, including adequate and effective
of intellectual property rights.
2. The Parties shall, to their respective capabilities, and
to their respective national and/or policies, protect, promote
and use in particular relevant traditional and local technology, knowledge, knowhow
and practices and, to that end, they undertake to:
(a) inventories of such knowledge, know-how and practices
uses with the of local populations, and
information, where in cooperation with
and organizations;
b) know-how and practices are
ad~quately that local benefit directly, on an
from commercial utilization
therefrom;
(c) encourage and actively support the improvement and dissemination of
such technology, knowledge, know-how and practices or of the
development of new technology based on them; and
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
122 - e - Recuell des Traitks d) modern technology, as 3: 19
public awareness
1. - building, building:
a) b) c, d) e) modern socio-economic f) g) the capacity of
programmes in the field of collection, analysis and h) i) (j) Vol. 1954, 1-33480
United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recneil -de-s T-ra-it~s- -----
(d) facilitate, as appropriate, the adaptation of such technology,
knowledge, know-how and practices to wide use and integrate them with
modern technology, as appropriate.
1996
Section Supporting measures
Article Capacity-building, education and
public awareness
l. The Parties recognize the significance of capacity-building - that is
to say, institution-building, training and development of relevant local and
national capacities - in efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the
effects of drought. They shall promote, as appropriate, capacity-building:
(a) through the full participation at all levels of local people,
particularly at the local level, especially women and youth, with the
cooperation of non-governmental and local organizations;
(b) by strengthening training and research capacity at the national level
in the field of desertification and drought;
(c} by establishing and/or strengthening support and extension services to
disseminate relevant technology methods and techniques more
effectively, and by training field agents and members of rural
organizations in participatory approaches for the conservation and
sustainable use of natural resources;
(d) by fostering the use and dissemination of the knowledge, know-how and
practices of local people in technical cooperation programmes,
wherever possible;
(e) by adapting, where necessary, relevant environmentally sound
technology and traditional methods of agriculture and pastoralism to
economic conditions;
(f) by providing appropriate training and technology in the use of
alternative energy sources, particularly renewable energy resources,
aimed particularly at reducing dependence on wood for fuel;
(g) through cooperation, as mutually agreed, to strengthen the capacity of
affected developing country Parties to develop and implement
exchange of
information pursuant to article 16;
(h) through innovative ways of promoting alternative livelihoods,
including training in new skills;
(i) by training of decision makers, managers, and personnel who are
responsible for the collection and analysis of data for the
dissemination and use of early warning information on drought
conditions and for food production;
j) through more effective operation of existing national institutions and
legal frameworks and, where necessary, creation of new ones, along
with strengthening of strategic planning and management; and
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Traitks 123
(k) by means of exchange visitor programmes to enhance capacity-building
in affected country Parties through a long-term, interactive process
of learning and study.
2. Affected developing country Parties shall conduct, in cooperation with
other Parties and competent intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations, as appropriate, an interdisciplinary review of available capacity
and facilities at the local and national levels, and the potential for
strengthening them.
3. The Parties shall cooperate with each other and through competent
intergovernmental organizations, as well as with non-governmental organizations,
in undertaking and supporting public awareness and educational programmes in
both affected and, where relevant, unaffected country Parties to promote
understanding of the causes and effects of desertification and drought and of
the importance of meeting the objective of this Convention. To that end, they
shall:
(a) organize awareness campaigns for the general public;
(b) promote, on a permanent basis, access by the public to relevant
information, and wide public participation in education and awareness
activities;
(c) encourage the establishment of associations that contribute to public
awareness;
(d) develop and exchange educational and public awareness material, where
possible in local languages, exchange and second experts to train
personnel of affected developing country Parties in carrying out
relevant education and awareness programmes, and fully utilize
relevant educational material available in competent international
bodies;
(e) assess educational needs in affected areas, elaborate appropriate
school curricula and expand, as needed, educational and adult literacy
programmes and opportunities for all, in particular for girls and
women, on the identification, conservation and sustainable use and
management of the natural resources of affected areas; and
(f) develop interdisciplinary participatory programmes integrating
desertification and drought awareness into educational systems and in
non-formal, adult, distance and practical educational programmes.
4. The Conference of the Parties shall establish and/or strengthen
networks of regional education and training centres to combat desertification
and mitigate the effects of drought. These networks shall be coordinated by an
institution created or designated for that purpose, in order to train
scientific, technical and management personnel and to strengthen existing
institutions responsible for education and training in affected country Parties,
where appropriate, with a view to harmonizing programmes and to organizing
exchanges of experience among them. These networks shall cooperate closely with
relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to avoid
duplication of effort.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s
() by means of exchange visitor programmes to enhance capacity-building
in affected country Parties through a long-term, interactive process
of learning and study.
123
2. Affected developing country Parties shall conduct, in cooperation with
other Parties and competent intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations, as appropriate, an interdisciplinary review of available capacity
and facilities at the local and national levels, and the potential for
strengthening them.
3. The Parties shall cooperate with each other end through competent
intergovernmental organizations, as well as with non-governmental organizations,
in undertaking and supporting public awareness and educational programmes in
both affected and, where relevant, unaffected country Parties to promote
understanding of the causes and effects of desertification and drought and of
the importance of meeting the objective of this Convention. To that end, they
shall:
(a) organize awareness campaigns for the general public;
(b) promote, on a permanent basis, access by the public to relevant
information, and wide public participation in education and awareness
activities;
(c) encourage the establishment of associations that contribute to public
awareness;
(d) develop and exchange educational and public awareness material, where
possible in local languages, exchange and second experts to train
personnel of affected developing country Parties in carrying out
relevant education and awareness programmes, and fully utilize
relevant educational material available in competent international
bodies;
(e) assess educational needs in affected areas, elaborate appropriate
school curricula and expand, as needed, educational and adult literacy
programmes and opportunities for all, in particular for girls and
women, on the identification, conservation and sustainable use and
management of the natural resources of affected areas; and
(f) develop interdisciplinary participatory programmes integrating
desertification and drought awareness into educational aystems and in
non-formal, adult, distance and practical educational programmes.
4. The Conference of the Parties shall establish and/or strengthen
networks of regional education and training centres to combat desertification
and mitigate the effects of drought. These networks shall be coordinated by an
institution created or designated for that purpose, in order to train
scientific, technical and management personnel and to strengthen existing
institutions responsible for education and training in affected country Parties,
where appropriate, with a view to harmonizing programmes and to organizing
exchanges of experience among them. These networks shall cooperate closely with
relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to avoid
duplication of effort.
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124 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recuei des Traitis 1996
Article 20
Financial resources
1. Given the central importance of financing to the achievement of the
objective of the Convention, the Parties, taking into account their
capabilities, shall make every effort to ensure that adequate financial
resources are available for programmes to combat desertification and mitigate
the effects of drought.
2. In this connection, developed country Parties, while giving priority
to affected African country Parties without neglecting affected developing
country Parties in other regions, in accordance with article 7, undertake to:
(a) mobilize substantial financial resources, including grants and
concessional loans, in order to support the implementation of
programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought;
(b) promote the mobilization of adequate, timely and predictable financial
resources, including new and additional funding from the Global
Environment Facility of the agreed incremental costs of those
activities concerning desertification that relate to its four focal
areas, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Instrument
establishing the Global Environment Facility;
Cc) facilitate through international cooperation the transfer of
technology, knowledge and know-how; and
(d) explore, in cooperation with affected developing country Parties,
innovative methods and incentives for mobilizing and channelling
resources, including those of foundations, non-governmental
organizations and other private sector entities, particularly debt
swaps and other innovative means which increase financing by reducing
the external debt burden of affected developing country Parties,
particularly those in Africa.
3. Affected developing country Parties, taking into account their
capabilities, undertake to mobilize adequate financial resources for the
implementation of their national action programmes.
4. In mobilizing financial resources, the Parties shall seek full use and
continued qualitative improvement of all national, bilateral and multilateral
funding sources and mechanisms, using consortia, joint programmes and parallel
financing, and shall seek to involve private sector funding sources and
mechanisms, including those of non-governmental organizations. To this end, the
Parties shall fully utilize the operational mechanisms developed pursuant to
article 14.
5. In order to mobilize the financial resources necessary for affected
developing country Parties to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought, the Parties shall:
(a) rationalize and strengthen the management of resources already
allocated for combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
drought by using them more effectively and efficiently, assessing
their successes and shortcomings, removing hindrances to their
effective use and, where necessary, reorienting programmes in light of
the integrated long-term approach adopted pursuant to this Convention;
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124 United Nations -Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueii des Trait~s
Article 20
1996
Financial resources
1. Given the central importance of financing to the achievement of the
objective of the Convention, the Parties, taking into account their
capabilities, shall make every effort to ensure that adequate financial
resources are available for programmes to combat desertification and mitigate
the effects of drought.
2. In this connection, developed country Parties, while giving priority
to affected African country Parties without neglecting affected developing
country Parties in other regions, in accordance with article 7, undertake to:
(a) mobilize substantial financial resources, including grants and
concessional loans, in order to support the implementation of
programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought;
(b) promote the mobilization of adequate, timely and predictable financial
resources, including new and additional funding from the Global
Environment Facility of the agreed incremental costs of those
activities concerning desertification that relate to its four focal
areas, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Instrument
establishing the Global Environment Facility;
(c) facilitate through international cooperation the transfer of
technology, knowledge and know-how; and
(d) explore, in cooperation with affected developing country Parties,
innovative methods and incentives for mobilizing and channelling
resources, including those of foundations, non-governmental
organizations and other private sector entities, particularly debt
swaps and other innovative means which increase financing by reducing
the external debt burden of affected developing ccuntry Parties,
particularly those in Africa.
3. Affected developing country Parties, taking into account their
capabilities, undertake to mobilize adequate financial resources for the
implementation of their national action programmes.
4. In mobilizing financial resources, the Parties shall seek full use and
continued qualitative improvement of all national, bilateral and multilateral
funding sources and mechanisms, using consortia, joint programmes and parallel
financing, and shall seek to involve private sector funding sources and
mechanisms, including those of non-governmental organizations. To this end, the
Parties shall fully utilize the operational mechanisms developed pursuant to
article 14.
5. In order to mobilize the financial resources necessary for affected
developing country Parties to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of
drought, the Parties shall:
(a) rationalize and strengthen the management of resources already
allocated for combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
drought by using them more effectively and efficiently, assessing
their successes and shortcomings, removing hindrances to their
effective use and, where necessary, reorienting programmes in light of
the integrated long-term approach adopted pursuant to this Convention;
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Traitks
(b) give due priority and attention within the governing bodies of
multilateral financial institutions, facilities and funds, including
regional development banks and funds, to supporting affected
developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa, in
activities which advance implementation of the Convention, notably
action programmes they undertake in the framework of regional
implementation annexes; and
(c) examine ways in which regional and subregional cooperation can be
strengthened to support efforts undertaken at the national level.
6. Other Parties are encouraged to provide, on a voluntary basis,
knowledge, know-how and techniques related to desertification and/or financial
resources to affected developing country Parties.
7. The full implementation by affected developing country Parties,
particularly those in Africa, of their obligations under the Convention will be
greatly assisted by the fulfilment by developed country Parties of their
obligations under the Convention, including in particular those regarding
financial resources and transfer of technology. In fulfilling their
obligations, developed country Parties should take fully into account that
economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first priorities
of affected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa.
Article 21
Financial mechanisms
1. The Conference of the Parties shall promote the availability of
financial mechanisms and shall encourage such mechanisms to seek to maximize the
availability of funding for affected developing country Parties, particularly
those in Africa, to implement the Convention. To this end, the Conference of
the Parties shall consider for adoption inter alia approaches and policies that:
(a) facilitate the provision of necessary funding at the national,
subregional, regional and global levels for activities pursuant to
relevant provisions of the Convention;
(b) promote multiple-source funding approaches, mechanisms and
arrangements and their assessment, consistent with article 20;
(c) provide on a regular basis, to interested Parties and relevant
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, information on
available sources of funds and on funding patterns in order to
facilitate coordination among them;
(d) facilitate the establishment, as appropriate, of mechanisms, such as
national desertification funds, including those involving the
participation of non-governmental organizations, to channel financial
resources rapidly and efficiently to the local level in affected
developing country Parties; and
(e) strengthen existing funds and financial mechanisms at the subregional
and regional levels, particularly in Africa, to support more
effectively the implementation of the Convention.
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1996 United Nations --- Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 112255
(b) give due priority and attention within the governing bodies of
multilateral financial institutions, facilities and funds, including
regional development banks and funds, to supporting affected
developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa, in
activities which advance implementation of the Convention, notably
action programmes they undertake in the framework of regional
implementation annexes; and
(c) examine ways in which regional and subregional cooperation can be
strengthened to support efforts undertaken at the national level.
6. Other Parties are encouraged to provide, on a voluntary basis,
knowledge, know-how and techniques related to desertification and/or financial
resources to affected developing country Parties.
7. The full implementation by affected developing country Parties,
particularly those in Africa, of their obligations under the Convention will be
greatly assisted by the fulfilment by developed country Parties of their
obligations under the Convention, including in particular those regarding
financial resources and transfer of technology. In fulfilling their
obligations, developed country Parties should take fully into account that
economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first priorities
of affected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa.
Article 21
Financial mechanisms
1. The Conference of the Parties shall promote the availability of
financial mechanisms and shall encourage such mechanisms to seek to maximize the
availability of funding for affected developing country Parties, particularly
those in Africa, to implement the Convention. To this end, the Conference of
the Parties shall consider for adoption inter.all~ approaches and policies that:
(a) facilitate the provision of necessary funding at the national,
subregional, regional and global levels for activities pursuant to
relevant provisions of the Convention;
(b) promote multiple-source funding approaches, mechanisms and
arrangements and their assessment, consistent with article 20;
(c) provide on a regular basis, to interested Parties and relevant
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, information on
available sources of funds and on funding patterns in order to
facilitate coordination among them;
(d) facilitate the establishment, as appropriate, of mechanisms, such as
national desertification funds, including those involving the
participation of non-governmental organizations, to channel financial
resources rapidly and efficiently to the local level in affected
developing country Parties; and
(e) strengthen existing funds and financial mechanisms at the subregional
and regional levels, particularly in Africa, to support more
effectively the implementation of the Convention.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
United Nations - * - Traitis 2. The Conference of the Parties shall also encourage the provision,
through various mechanisms within the United multilateral financial institutions, of support at the national, subregional and
regional levels to activities that enable developing country Parties to meet
their obligations under the Convention.
3. Affected developing country Parties shall utilize, and where
necessary, establish and/or strengthen, national coordinating mechanisms,
integrated in national development programmes, that would ensure the efficient
use of all available financial resources. They shall also utilize participatory
processes involving non-governmental organizations, local groups and the private
sector, in raising funds, in elaborating as well as implementing programmes and
in assuring access to funding by groups at the local level. These actions can
enhanced by improved coordination and flexible programming on the part of
those providing assistance.
In order to increase the effectiveness financial mechanisms, a Global Mechanism to promote actions leading to the
mobilization and channelling of substantial financial resources, including for
the transfer of technology, on a grant basis, and/or on concessional or other
terms, to affected developing country Parties, Global Mechanism shall function under the authority and guidance of the
Conference of the Parties and be accountable to it.
5. The Conference of the Parties shall identify, at its first ordinary
session, an organization to house the Global Mechanism. The Conference of the
Parties and the organization it has identified shall agree this Global Mechanism to ensure inter alia that such Mechanism:
a) multilateral cooperation programmes that are available to implement
the Convention;
(b) advice, on financing and sources of coordination of cooperation activities at the national level;
(c) provides interested Parties and relevant intergovernmental and
non-governmental with of funds and on funding patterns in order to facilitate coordination
(d) reports to the Conference of the Parties, beginning at its second
ordinary session, arrangements with Global Mechanism for the administrative the extent possible on existing budgetary and human resources.
review the policies, modalities provisions of-article 7. the basis of this review, it shall consider and
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126 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 1996
2. The Conference of the Parties shall also encourage the provision,
through various mechanisms within the United Nations system and through
multilateral financial institutions, of support at the national, subregional and
regional levels to activities that enable developing country Parties to meet
their obligations under the Convention.
3. Affected developing country Parties shall utilize, and where
necessary, establish and/or strengthen, national coordinating mechanisms,
integrated in national development programmes, that would ensure the efficient
use of all available financial resources. They shall also utilize participatory
processes involving non-governmental organizations, local groups and the private
sector, in raising funds, in elaborating as well as implementing programmes and
in assuring access to funding by groups at the local level. These actions can
be enhanced by improved coordination and flexible programming on the part of
those providing assistance.
4. In order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of existing
financial mechanisms, a Global Mechanism to promote actions leading to the
mobilization and channelling of substantial financial resources, including for
the transfer of technology, on a grant basis, and/or on concessional or other
terms, to affected developing country Parties, is hereby established. This
Global Mechanism shall function under the authority and guidance of the
Conference of the Parties and be accountable to it.
5, The Conference of the Parties shall identify, at its first ordinary
session, an organization to house the Global Mechanism. The Conference of the
Parties and the organization it has identified shall agree upon modalities for
this Global Mechanism to ensure inter alia that such Mechanism:
(al identifies and draws up an inventory of relevant bilateral and
multilateral cooperation programmes that are available to implement
the Convention;
(b) provides advice, on request, to Parties on innovative methods of
financing and sources of financial assistance and on improving the
coordination of cooperation activities at the national level;
(cl provides interested Parties and relevant intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations with information on available sources
of funds and on funding patterns in order to facilitate coordination
among them; and
(d) reports to the Conference of the Parties, beginning at its second
ordinary session, on its activities.
6. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its first session, make
appropriate arrangements with the organization it has identified to house the
Global Mechanism for the administrative operations of such Mechanism, drawing to
the extent possible on existing budgetary and human resources.
7. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its third ordinary session,
review the policies, operational modalities and activities of the Global
Mechanism accountable to it pursuant to paragraph 4, taking into account the
provisions of·article 7. On the basis of this review, it shall consider and
take appropriate action.
* - Traitis
PART IV
INSTITUTIONS
Article 22
Conference of the Parties
2. The Conference of the Parties is the supreme body of the Convention.
It shall make, within its mandate, the decisions necessary to promote its
effective implementation. in particular, it shall:
(a) regularly review the implementation of the Convention the
experience gained at the national, subregional, regional b) promote and facilitate the exchange of information on measures adopted
by the Parties, and determine the form and timetable for transmitting
information to be submitted pursuant to article 26, review the
reports and make recommendations on them;
(c) establish such subsidiary bodies as are deemed necessary for the
implementation of the Convention;
d) review reports submitted by its subsidiary bodies and provide guidance
to them;
e) upon and adopt, by consensus, rules of procedure and financial
rules for itself and any subsidiary bodies;
(f) adopt amendments to the Convention pursuant to articles 30 and 31;
g) its bodies. and undertake necessary arrangements for their
financing;
h) and information provided by, competent bodies or agencies, whether
(i) promote and strengthen the relationship with other relevant
conventions while avoiding duplication of effort; and
(j) the achievement
of the objective of the Convention.
its
required for the adoption of particular decisions.
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PART IV
INSTITUTIONS
Article 22
127
Conference of the Parties
1. A Conference of the Parties is hereby established.
2. The Conference of the Parties is the supreme body of the Convention.
It shall make, within its mandate, the decisions necessary to promote its
effective implementation. In particular, it shall:
(a) regularly review the implementation of the Convention and the
functioning of its institutional arrangements in the light of the
experience gained at the national, subregional, regional and
international levels and on the basis of the evolution of scientific
and technological knowledge;
(b) promote and facilitate the exchange of information on measures adopted
by the Parties, and determine the form and timetable for transmitting
the information to be submitted pursuant to article 26, review the
reports and make recommendations on them;
(c) establish such subsidiary bodies as are deemed necessary for the
implementation of the Convention;
(d) review reports submitted by its subsidiary bodies and provide guidance
to them;
(e) agree upon and adopt, by consensus, rules of procedure and financial
rules for itself and any subsidiary bodies;
(f) adopt amendments to the Convention pursuant to articles 30 and 31;
(g) approve a programme and budget for its activities, including those of
its subsidiary bodies. and undertake necessary arrangements for their
financing;
(h) as appropriate, seek the cooperation of, and utilize the services of
and information provided by, competent bodies or agencies, whether
national or international, intergovernmental or non-governmental;
(i) promote and strengthen the relationship with other relevant
conventions while avoiding duplication of effort; and
j) exercise such other functions as may be necessary for the achievement
of the objective of the Convention.
3. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its first session, adopt its
own rules of procedure, by consensus, which shall include decision-making
procedures for matters not already covered by decision-making procedures
stipulated in the Convention. Such procedures may include specified majorities
required for the adoption of particular decisions.
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4. The first session of the Conference of the Parties shall be convened
by the interim secretariat referred to in article 35 and shall take place not
later than one year after the date of entry into force of the Convention.
Unless otherwise decided by the Conference of the Parties, the second, third and
fourth ordinary sessions shall be held yearly, and thereafter, ordinary sessions
shall be held every two years.
5. Extraordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties shall be held
at such other times as may be decided either by the Conference of the Parties in
ordinary session or at the written request of any Party, provided that, within
three months of the request being communicated to the Parties by the Permanent
Secretariat, it is supported by at least one third of the Parties.
6. At each ordinary session, the Conference of the Parties shall elect a
Bureau. The structure and functions of the Bureau shall be determined in the
rules of procedure. In appointing the Bureau, due regard shall be paid to the
need to ensure equitable geographical distribution and adequate representation
of affected country Parties, particularly those in Africa.
7. The United Nations, its specialized agencies and any State member
thereof or observers thereto not Party to the Convention, may be represented at
sessions of the Conference of the Parties as observers. Any body or agency,
whether national or international, governmental or non-governmental, which is
qualified in matters covered by the Convention, and which has informed the
Permanent Secretariat of its wish to be represented at a session of the
Conference of the Parties as an observer, may be so admitted unless at least one
third of the Parties present object. The admission and participation of
observers shall be subject to the rules of procedure adopted by the Conference
of the Parties.
8. The Conference of the Parties may request competent'national and
international organizations which have relevant expertise to provide it
with information relevant to article 16, paragraph (g), article 17, paragraph 1
(c) and article 18, paragraph 2 (b).
Article 23
Permanent Secretariat
1. A Permanent Secretariat is hereby established.
2. The functions of the Permanent Secretariat shall be:
(a) to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties and
its subsidiary bodies established under the Convention and to provide
them with services as required;
(b) to compile and transmit reports submitted to it;
(c) to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on
request, particularly those in Africa, in the compilation and
communication of information required under the Convention;
(d) to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant
international bodies and conventions;
(e) to enter, under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties, into
such administrative and contractual arrangements as may be required
for the effective discharge of its functions;
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4. The first session of the Conference of the Parties shall be convened
by the interim secretariat referred to in article 35 and shall take place not
later than one year after the date of entry into force of the Convention.
Unless otherwise decided by the Conference of the Parties, the second, third and
fourth ordinary sessions shall be held yearly, and thereafter, ordinary sessions
shall be held every two years.
5. Extraordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties shall be held
at such other times as may be decided either by the Conference of the Parties in
ordinary session or at the written request of any Party, provided that, within
three months of the request being communicated to the Parties by the Permanent
Secretariat, it is supported by at least one third of the Parties.
6. At each ordinary session, the Conference of the Parties shall elect a
Bureau. The structure and functions of the Bureau shall be determined in the
rules of procedure. In appointing the Bureau, due regard shall be paid to the
need to ensure equitable geographical distribution and adequate representation
of affected country Parties, particularly those in Africa.
7. The United Nations, its specialized agencies and any State member
thereof or observers thereto not Party to the Convention, may be represented at
sessions of the Conference of the Parties as observers. Any body or agency,
whether national or international, governmental or non-governmental, which is
qualified in matters covered by the Convention, and which has informed the
Permanent Secretariat of its wish to be represented at a session of the
Conference of the Parties as an observer, may be so admitted unless at least one
third of the Parties present object. The admission and participation of
observers shall be subject to the rules of procedure adopted by the Conference
of the Parties.
8. The Conference of the Parties may request competent'national and
international organizations which have relevant expertise to provide it
with information relevant to article 16, paragraph (g), article 17, paragraph 1
(c) and article 18, paragraph 2 (b).
Article 23
Permanent Secretariat
1. A Permanent Secretariat is hereby established.
2. The functions of the Permanent Secretariat shall be:
(a) to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties and
its subsidiary bodies established under the Convention and to provide
them with services as required;
(b) to compile and transmit reports submitted to it;
(c) to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on
request, particularly those in Africa, in the compilation and
communication of information required under the Convention;
(d) to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant
international bodies and conventions;
(e) to enter, under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties, into
such administrative and contractual arrangements as may be required
for the effective discharge of its functions;
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- Treaty * Recuell Traitis f) g) Commi ttee on Technology
1. ,and shall be of roster shall be into account the need for a to it, through the Committee, with issues regarding the state of the art the recommendation Networking of institutions, agencies bodies
On out in articles 16 to 19 are
Vol. 1996 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 129
(f) to prepare reports on the execution of its functions under this
Convention and present them to the Conference of the Parties; and
(g) to perform such other secretariat functions as may be determined by
the Conference of the Parties.
3. The Conference of the Parties, at its first session, shall designate a
Permanent Secretariat and make arrangements for its functioning.
Article 24
Committee Science and • A Committee on Science and Technology is hereby established as a
subsidiary body of the Conference of the Parties to provide it with information
.and advice on scientific and technological matters relating to combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought. The Committee shall meet
in conjunction with the ordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties and
shall be multidisciplinary and open to the participation of all Parties. It
shall be composed of government representatives competent in the relevant fields
of expertise. The Conference of the Parties shall decide, at its first session,
on the terms of reference of the Committee.
2. The Conference of the Parties shall establish and maintain a roster of
independent experts with expertise and experience in the relevant fields. The
roster shall be based on nominations received in writing from the Parties,
taking into account the need for a multidisciplinary approach and broad
geographical representation.
3. The Conference of the Parties may, as necessary, appoint ad hoc panels
to provide it, through the Committee, with information and advice on specific
issues regarding the state of the art in fields of science and technology
relevant to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought.
These panels shall be composed of experts whose names are taken from the roster,
taking into account the need for a multidisciplinary approach and broad
geographical representation. These experts shall have scientific backgrounds
and field experience and shall be appointed by the Conference of the Parties on
the recommendation of the Committee. The Conference of the Parties shall decide
on the terms of reference and the modalities of work of these panels.
Article 25
and 1. The Committee on Science and Technology shall, under the supervision
of the Conference of the Parties, make provision for the undertaking of a survey
and evaluation of the relevant existing networks, institutions, agencies and
bodies willing to become units of a network. Such a network shall support the
implementation of the Convention.
2. the basis of the results of the survey and evaluation referred to
in paragraph 1, the Committee on Science and Technology shall make
recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on ways and means to facilitate
and strengthen networking of the units at the local, national and other levels,
with a view to ensuring that the thematic needs set addressed.
Vol, 1954, 1-33480
* - Traitks 3. a) frame, b) 26
Each Party shall communicate to the Conference of the Parties for
consideration at its ordinary sessions, through the Permanent Secretariat,
the implementation of the
Convention. The Conference of the Parties shall determine the timetable for
submission and the format of such reports.
Affected country Parties shall provide a description of the strategies
established pursuant to article 5 and of any relevant information on their
implementation.
3. 9 15 their implementation.
4. Parties may make a communication
action programmes.
5. Developed country Parties shall report on measures taken to assist in
on the financial resources they have provided, or are providing, under the
Convention.
Information communicated pursuant to paragraphs to 4 shall be
7. affected countries, those in Africa, on request, of
Article resolve questions on implementation
1954, 130 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 1996
Taking into account these recommendations, the Conference of the
Parties shall:
(a) identify those national, subregional, regional and international units
that are most appropriate for networking, and recommend operational
procedures, and a time-frame, for them; and
(b) identify the units best suited to facilitating and strengthening such
networking at all levels.
PART V
PROCEDURES
Article Communication of information
1. Each Party shall communicate to the Conference of the Parties for
consideration at its ordinary sessions, through the Permanent Secretariat,
reports on the measures which it has taken for the implementation of the
Convention. The Conference of the Parties shall determine the timetable for
submission and the format of such reports.
2. Affected country Parties shall provide a description of the strategies
established pursuant to article 5 and of any relevant information on their
implementation.
Affected country Parties which implement action programmes pursuant to
articles 9 to 15 shall provide a detailed description of the programmes and of
their implementation.
Any group of affected country Parties joint communication
on measures taken at the subregional and/or regional levels in the framework of
action programmes.
s. Developed country Parties shall report on measures taken to assist in
the preparation and implementation of action programmes, including information
on the financial resources they have provided, or are providing, under the
Convention.
6. Information communicated pursuant to paragraphs 1 to shall be
transmitted by the Permanent Secretariat as soon as possible to the Conference
of the Parties and to any relevant subsidiary body.
The Conference of the Parties shall facilitate the provision to
affected developing countries, particularly those in Africa, on request, of
technical and financial support in compiling and communicating information in
accordance with this article, as well as identifying the technical and financial
needs associated with action programmes.
Article 27
Measures to resolve questions on implementation
The Conference of the Parties shall consider and adopt procedures and
institutional mechanisms for the resolution of questions that may arise with
regard to the implementation of the Convention.
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- Treaty * - Traitks
Settlement disputes
when organization'may compulsory a) b) 3. A Party which is a regional economic may a).
4. A by 29
Status of annexes
1. 2. Article 30
1. Any Party 2. Amendments to the Convention shall be adopted at an ordinary of the Conference of the Parties. The text of any proposed amendment 1996 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s
Article 28
131
Settlement of disputes
1. Parties shall settle any dispute between them concerning the
interpretation or application of the Convention through negotiation or other
peaceful means of their own choice.
2. When ratifying, accepting, approving, or acceding to the Convention,
or at any time thereafter, a Party which is not a regional economic integration
organization' may declare in a written instrument submitted to the Depositary
that, in respect of any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of
the Convention, it recognizes one or both of the following means of dispute
settlement as compulsory in relation to any Party accepting the same obligation:
(a) arbitration in accordance with procedures adopted by the Conference of
the Parties in an annex as soon as practicable;
(b) submission of the dispute to the International Court of Justice.
integration organization make
a declaration with like effect in relation to arbitration in accordance with the
procedure referred to in paragraph 2 (a).
declaration made pursuant to paragraph 2 shall remain in force until
it expires in accordance with its terms or until three months after written
notice of its revocation has been deposited with the Depositary.
5. The expiry of a declaration, a notice of revocation or a new
declaration shall not in any way affect proceedings pending before an arbitral
tribunal or the International Court of Justice unless the Parties to the dispute
otherwise agree.
6. If the Parties to a dispute have not accepted the same or any
procedure pursuant to paragraph 2 and if they have not been able to settle their
dispute within twelve months following notification by one Party to another that
a dispute exists between them, the dispute shall be submitted to conciliation at
the request of any Party to the dispute, in accordance with procedures adopted
the Conference of the Parties in an annex as soon as practicable.
Article Status of annexes
Annexes form an integral part of the Convention and, unless expressly
provided otherwise, a reference to the Convention also constitutes a reference
to its annexes.
The Parties shall interpret the provisions of the annexes in a manner
that is in conformity with their rights and obligations under the articles of
this Convention.
Amendments to the Convention
1. Any .Party may propose amendments to the Convention.
session
shall be
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132 United Nations - Treaty Series e Nations Unies - Recueii des Traitks conwmunicated to the Parties by the Permanent Secretariat at least six months
before the meeting at which it is proposed for adoption. The Permanent
Secretariat shall also communicate proposed amendments to the signatories to the
Convention.
3. The Parties shall make every effort to reach agreement on any proposed
amendment to the Convention by consensus. If all efforts at consensus have been
exhausted and no agreement reached, the amendment shall, as a last resort, be
adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the Parties present meeting. The adopted amendment shall be communicated the Secretariat to the Depositary, who shall circulate it ratification, acceptance, approval or 4. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in
respect of an amendment shall deposited with the Depositary. An amendment
adopted pursuant to paragraph 3 shall enter into force for those Parties having
accepted it on the ninetieth day after the date of receipt the Depositary of
an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession by at least two
thirds of the Parties to the Convention which were Parties at the time of the
adoption of the amendment.
5. the
ninetieth day that its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval of, or accession to the
said amendment.
For the purposes of Parties voting" Article 31
1. shall proposed the Convention set forth in article 30, provided that, in adopting an additional
regional implementation annex or amendment the force for all Parties to the Convention six 1, a) Vol. 1954, 1-33480
132 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 1996
communicated to the Parties by the Permanent Secretariat at least six months
before the meeting at which it is proposed for adoption. The Permanent
Secretariat shall also communicate proposed amendments to the signatories to the
Convention.
3, The Parties shall make every effort to reach agreement on any proposed
amendment to the Convention by consensus. If all efforts at consensus have been
exhausted and no agreement reached, the amendment shall, as a last resort, be
adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the Parties present and voting at the
meeting. The adopted amendment shall be communicated by the Permanent
Secretariat to the Depcsitary, who shall circulate it to all Parties for their
ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
4. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in
respect of an amendment shall be deposited with the Depositary. An amendment
adopted pursuant to paragraph 3 shall enter into force for those Parties having
accepted it on the ninetieth day after the date of receipt by the Depositary of
an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession by at least two
thirds of the Parties to the Convention which were Parties at the time of the
adoption of the amendment.
5. The amendment shall enter into force for any other Party on the
ninetieth day after the date on which that Party deposits with the Depositary
its instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval of, or accession to the
said amendment.
6. For the purposes of this article and article 31, "Parties present and
voting" means Parties present and casting an affirmative or negative vote.
Article 31
Adoption and amendment of annexes
1. Any additional annex to the Convention and any amendment to an annex
shall be proposed and adopted in accordance with the procedure for amendment of
the Convention set forth in article 30, provided that, in adopting an additional
regional implementation annex or amendment to any regional implementation annex,
the majority provided for in that article shall include a two-thirds majority
vote of the Parties of the region concerned present and voting. The adoption or
amendment of an annex shall be communicated by the Depositary to all Parties.
2. An annex, other than an additional regional implementation annex, or
an amendment to an annex, other than an amendment to any regional implementation
annex, that has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 1, shall enter into
force for all Parties to the Convention six months after the date of
communication by the Depositary to such Parties of the adoption of such annex or
amendment, except for those Parties that have notified the Depositary in writing
within that period of their non-acceptance of such annex or amendment. Such
annex or amendment shall enter into force for Parties which withdraw their
notification of non-acceptance on the ninetieth day after the date on which
withdrawal of such notification has been received by the Depositary.
3. An additional regional implementation annex or amendment to any
regional implementation annex that has been adopted in accordance with paragraph
l, shall enter into force for all Parties to the Convention six months after the
date of the communication by the Depositary to such Parties of the adoption of
such annex or amendment, except with respect to:
(a) any Party that has notified the Depositary in writing, within such six
month period, of its non-acceptance of that additional regional
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e - Recueil Traitks
nonacceptance
b) amendments to regional
34, 4. Convention enters into force.
Right to vote
1. 2. a its Signature
14-15 1994, 13
1995.
34
1. 1-1996 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies -- Recueii des Trait~s 133
implementation annex or of the amendment to the regional
implementation annex, in which case such annex or amendment shall
enter into force for Parties which withdraw their notification of nonacceptance
on the ninetieth day after the date on which withdrawal of
such notification has been received by the Depositary; and
(b) any Party that has made a declaration with respect to additional
regional implementation annexes or amendments to regional
implementation annexes in accordance with article paragraph 4, in
which case any such annex or amendment shall enter into force for such
a Party on the ninetieth day after the date of deposit with the
Depositary of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or
accession with respect to such annex or amendment.
If the adoption of an annex or an amendment to an annex involves an
amendment to the Convention, that annex or amendment to an annex shall not enter
into force until such time as the amendment to the Convention enters into force.
Article 32
Right to vote
Except as provided for in paragraph 2, each Party to the Convention
shall have one vote.
Regional economic integration organizations, in matters within their
competence, shall exercise their right to vote with a number of votes equal to
the number of their member States that are Parties to the Convention. Such an
organization shall not exercise its right to vote if any of its member States
exercises ita right, and vice versa.
PART VI
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 33
signature
This Convention shall be opened for signature at Paris, on October
by States Members of the United Nations or any of its specialized agencies
or that are Parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice and by
regional economic integration organizations. It shall remain open for
signature, thereafter, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York until October Article Ratification, acceptance, approval
and accession
The Convention shall be subject to ratification, acceptance, approval
or accession by States and by regional economic integration organizations. It
shall be open for accession from the day after the date on which the Convention
is closed for signature. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or
accession shall be deposited with the Depositary.
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United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Traitis
2. Any regional economic integration organization which becomes a Party
to the Convention without any of its member States being a Party to the
Convention shall be bound by all the obligations under the Convention. Where
one or more member States of such an organization are also Party to the
Convention, the organization and its member States shall decide on their
respective responsibilities for the performance of their obligations under the
Convention. In such cases, the organization and the member States shall not be
entitled to exercise rights under the Convention concurrently.
3. In their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or
accession, regional economic integration organizations shall declare the extent
of their competence with respect to the matters governed by the Convention.
They shall also promptly inform the Depositary, who shall in turn inform the
Parties, of any substantial modification in the extent of their competence.
4. In its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession,
any Party may declare that, with respect to it, any additional regional
implementation annex or any amendment to any regional implementation annex shall
enter into force only upon the deposit of its instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession with respect thereto.
Article 35
Interim arrangements
The secretariat functions referred to in article 23 will be carried out on
an interim basis by the secretariat established by the General Assembly of the
United Nations in its resolution 47/188 of 22 December 1992, until the
completion of the first session of the Conference of the Parties.
Article 36
Entry into force
1. The Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the
date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval
or accession.
2. For each State or regional economic integration organization
ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to the Convention after the deposit
of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession,
the Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the date of
deposit by such State or regional economic integration organization of its
instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
3. For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, any instrument deposited by a
regional economic integration organization shall not be counted as additional to
those deposited by States members of the organization.
Article 37
Reservations
No reservations may be made to this Convention.
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134 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies -- Recueil des Trait~s 1996
2. Any regional economic integration organization which becomes a Party
to the Convention without any of its member States being a Party to the
Convention shall be bound by all the obligations under the Convention. Where
one or more member States of such an organization are also Party to the
Convention, the organization and its member States shall decide on their
respective responsibilities for the performance of their obligations under the
Convention. In such cases, the organization and the member States shall not be
entitled to exercise rights under the Convention concurrently.
3. In their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or
accession, regional economic integration organizations shall declare the extent
of their competence with respect to the matters governed by the Convention.
Thcy shall also promptly inform the Depositary, who shall in turn inform the
Parties, of any substantial modification in the extent of their competence.
4. In its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession,
any Party may declare that, with respect to it, any additional regional
implementation annex or any amendment to any regional implementation annex shall
enter into force only upon the deposit of its instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession with respect thereto.
Article 35
Interim arrangements
The secretariat functions referred to in article 23 will be carried out on
an interim basis by the secretariat established by the General Assembly of the
United Nations in its resolution 47/188 of 22 December 1992, until the
completion of the first session of the Conference of the Parties.
Article 36
Entry into force
1. The Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the
date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval
or accession.
2. For each State or regional economic integration organization
ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to the Convention after the deposit
of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession,
the Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the date of
deposit by such State or regional economic integration organization of its
instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
3. For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, any instrument deposited by a
regional economic integration organization shall not be counted as additional to
those deposited by States members of the organization.
Article 37
Reservations
No reservations may be made to this Convention.
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United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recuell des Traitis
Article 38
Withdrawal
1. At any time after three years from the date on which the Convention
has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from the Convention
by giving written notification to the Depositary.
2. Any such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the
date of receipt by the Depositary of the notification of withdrawal, or on such
later date as may be specified in the notification of withdrawal.
Article 39
Depositary
The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall be the Depositary of the
Convention.
Article 40
Authentic texts
The original of the present Convention, of which the Arabic, Chinese,
English, French, Russian and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be
deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorized to that effect,
have signed the present Convention.
DONE AT Paris, this 17th day of June one thousand nine hundred and ninetyfour.
[For the signatures, seep. 336 of this volume.]
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
1996 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s
Article 38
Withdrawal
135
1. At any time after three years from the date on which the Convention
has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from the Convention
by giving written notification to the Depositary.
2. Any such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the
date of receipt by the Depositary of the notification of withdrawal, or on such
later date as may be specified in the notification of withdrawal.
Article 39
Depositary
The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall be the Depositary of the
Convention.
Article 40
Authentic texts
The original of the present Convention, of which the Arabic, Chinese,
English, French, Russian and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be
deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorized to that effect,
have signed the present Convention.
DONE AT Paris, this 7th day of June one thousand nine hundred and ninetyfour.
[For the signatures, seep. 336 of this volume.]
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- Treaty * - Traitks REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION ANNEX FOR AFRICA
1
humid Article 2
Purpose
levels
in Africa and in the light of its particular conditions, is to:
a) with the relevant provisions b) c) Particular conditions of African region
a) dry humid b) c) d) objectives;
e) economic Vol. 1954, 1-33480
136 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s
ANNEX I
REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION ANNEX FOR AFRICA
1996
Article Scope
This Annex applies to Africa, in relation to each Party and in conformity
with the Convention, in particular its article 7, for the purpose of combating
desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought in its arid, semi-arid
and dry sub-humid areas.
Article 2
Purpose
The purpose of this Annex, at the national, subregional and regional levels
in Africa and in the light of its particular conditions, is to:
(a) identify measures and arrangements, including the nature and processes
of assistance provided by developed country Parties, in accordance
of the Convention;
(b) provide for the efficient and practical implementation of the
Convention to address conditions specific to Africa; and
(c) promote processes and activities relating to combating desertification
and/or mitigating the effects of drought within the arid, semi-arid
and dry sub-humid areas of Africa.
Article 3
the In carrying out their obligations under the Convention, the Parties shall,
in the implementation of this Annex, adopt a basic approach that takes into
consideration the following particular conditions of Africa:
(a) the high proportion of arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas;
(b) the substantial number of countries and populations adversely affected
by desertification and by the frequent recurrence of severe drought;
(c) the large number of affected countries that are land-locked;
(d) the widespread poverty prevalent in most affected countries, the large
number of least developed countries among them, and their need for
significant amounts of external assistance, in the form of grants and
loans on concessional terms, to pursue their development objectives;
(e) the difficult socio-economic conditions, exacerbated by deteriorating
and fluctuating terms of trade, external indebtedness and political
instability, which induce internal, regional and international
migrations;
33480
* Traitis
f) populationa degradation;
g) h) Commitments and African a) b) drought;
c) more efficient use of resources;
d) e) 4
a) b) (c) identify and mobilize new and additional national financial resources,
1954. 11999966 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 137
(f) the heavy reliance of populations on natural resources for subsistence
which, compounded by the effects of demographic trends and factors, a
weak technological base and unsustainable production practices,
contributes to serious resource (g) the insufficient institutional and legal frameworks, the weak
infrastructural base and the insufficient scientific, technical and
educational capacity, leading to substantial capacity-building
requirements; and
(h) the central role of actions to combat desertification and/or mitigate
the effects of drought in the national development priorities of
affected African countries.
Article 4
Commitments and obligations of
country Parties
1. In accordance with their respective capabilities, African country
Parties undertake to:
(a) adopt the combating of desertification and/or the mitigation of the
effects of drought as a central strategy in their efforts to eradicate
poverty;
(b) promote regional cooperation and integration, in a spirit of
solidarity and partnership based on mutual interest, in programmes and
activities to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of
drought;
(c) rationalize and strengthen existing institutions concerned with
desertification and drought and involve other existing institutions,
as appropriate, in order to make them more effective and to ensure
(d) promote the exchange of information on appropriate technology,
knowledge, know-how and practices between and among them; and
(e) develop contingency plans for mitigating the effects of drought in
areas degraded by desertification and/or drought.
2. Pursuant to the general and specific obligations set out in articles 4
and 5 of the Convention, affected African country Parties shall aim to:
(a) make appropriate financial allocations from their national budgets
consistent with national conditions and capabilities and reflecting
the new priority Africa has accorded to the phenomenon of
desertification and/or drought;
(b) sustain and strengthen reforms currently in progress towards greater
decentralization and resource tenure as well as reinforce
participation of local populations and communities; and
(c) identify and mobilize new and additional national financial resources,
and expand, as a matter of priority, existing national capabilities
and facilities to mobilize domestic financial resources.
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138 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Traits
Article 5
Commitments and obligations of developed
country Parties
1. In fulfilling their obligations pursuant to articles 4, 6 and 7 of the
Convention, developed country Parties shall give priority to affected African
country Parties and, in this context, shall:
(a) assist them to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of
drought by, inter alia, providing and/or facilitating access to
financial and/or other resources, and promoting, financing and/or
facilitating the financing of the transfer, adaptation and access to
appropriate environmental technologies and know-how, as mutually
agreed and in accordance with national policies, taking into account
their adoption of poverty eradication as a central strategy;
(b) continue to allocate significant resources and/or increase resources
to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought; and
(c) assist them in strengthening capacities to enable them to improve
their institutional frameworks, as well as their scientific and
technical capabilities, information collection and analysis, and
research and development for the purpose of combating desertification
and/or mitigating the effects of drought.
2. Other country Parties may provide, on a voluntary basis, technology,
knowledge and know-how relating to desertification and/or financial resources,
to affected African country Parties. The transfer of such knowledge, know-how
and techniques is facilitated by international cooperation.
Article 6
Strategic planning framework for
sustainable development
1. National action programmes shall a central integral of broader process of formulating national policies for the sustainable development
of affected African country Parties.
2. A consultative and participatory process involving appropriate levels
of government, local populations, communities and non-governmental organizations
shall be undertaken to provide guidance on a strategy with flexible allow participation As
appropriate, bilateral and multilateral assistance agencies may involved in
this process at the request of an affected African country Party.
Article 7
Timetable for preparation of action programmes
Pending entry into force of this Convention, the African in cooperation with other members of the international community, as
appropriate, shall, to the extent possible, provisionally apply those provisions
of the Convention relating to the preparation of national, subregional and
regional action programmes.
Vol. 1954, 138 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 11999966
Article 5
Commitments and obligations of developed
country Parties
1. In fulfilling their obligations pursuant to articles 4, 6 and 7 of the
Convention, developed country Parties shall give priority to affected African
country Parties and, in this context, shall:
(a) assist them to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of
drought by, inter alia, providing and/or facilitating access to
financial and/or other resources, and promoting, financing and/or
facilitating the financing of the transfer, adaptation and access to
appropriate environmental technologies and know-how, as mutually
agreed and in accordance with national policies, taking into account
their adoption of poverty eradication as a central strategy;
(b) continue to allocate significant resources and/or increase resources
to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought; and
(c) assist them in strengthening capacities to enable them to improve
their institutional frameworks, as well as their scientific and
technical capabilities, information collection and analysis, and
research and development for the purpose of combating desertification
and/or mitigating the effects of drought.
2. Other country Parties may provide, on a voluntary basis, technology,
knowledge and know-how relating to desertification and/or financial resources,
to affected African country Parties. The transfer of such knowledge, know-how
and techniques is facilitated by international cooperation.
Article 6
Strategic planning framework for
sustainable development
• National action programmes shall be a central and integral part of a
broader process of formulating national policies for the sustainable development
of affected African country Parties.
2. A consultative and participatory process involving appropriate levels
of government, local populations, communities and non-governmental organizations
shall be undertaken to provide guidance on a strategy with flexible planning to
allow maximum participation from local populations and communities. As
appropriate, bilateral and multilateral assistance agencies may be involved in
this process at the request of an affected African country Party.
Article 7
Timetable for preparation of action programmes
Pending entry into force of this Convention, the African country Parties,
in cooperation with other members of the international community, as
appropriate, shall, to the extent possible, provisionally apply those provisions
of the Convention relating to the preparation of national, subregional and
regional action programmes.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- * - Recueil Traitis of national action programmes
1. Consistent with article 10 of the Convention, strategy progranmmes a) into b) c) a) a view i) - developing - creating - encouraging up
- developing agricultural nonagricultural
ii) - incentives for - price and Vol. 1954, 1-33480
1996 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recneil des Trait~s
Article 8
139
Content the overall of
national action programmes shall emphasize integrated local development
programmes for affected areas, based on participatory mechanisms and on
integration of strategies for poverty eradication into efforts to combat
desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. The programmes shall aim
at strengthening the capacity of local authorities and ensuring the active
involvement of local populations, communities and groups, with emphasis on
education and training, mobilization of non-governmental organizations with
proven expertise and strengthening of decentralized governmental structures.
2. National action programmes shall, as appropriate, include the
following general features:
(a) the use, in developing and implementing national action programmes, of
past experiences in combating desertification and/or mitigating the
effects of drought, taking irto account social, economic and
ecological conditions;
(b) the identification of factors contributing to desertification and/or
drought and the resources and capacities available and required, and
the setting up of appropriate policies and institutional and other
responses and measures necessary to combat those phenomena and/or
mitigate their effects; and
(c) the increase in participation of local populations and communities,
including women, farmers and pastoralists, and delegation to them of
more responsibility for management.
3. National action programmes shall also, as appropriate, include the
following:
(a) measures to improve the economic environment with to
eradicating poverty:
(i) increasing incomes and employment opportunities, especially for
the poorest members of the community, by:
markets for farm and livestock products;
financial instruments suited to local needs;
diversification in agriculture and the setting-up
of agricultural enterprises; and
economic activities of a para-agricultural or nonagricultural
type;
(ii) improving the long-term prospects of rural economies by the
creation of:
productive investment and access to the means
of production; and
tax policies and commercial practices that promote
growth;
- Treaty * - Recueil Traitis iii) to reduce
(iv) promoting the use dry-land farming systems for food security
b) i) - - vegetation - - water - biological (ii) training with public environmental iii) of alternative sources of energy,
c) to improve institutional organization:
Ci) the roles and responsibilities of central government and
ii) a policy of active decentralization, devolving
making authorities, iii) the institutional and regulatory
framework of natural d) measures to improve knowledge of desertification:
Ci) and of
information on ii) research and in the
as to increase understanding terms; Vol. 1954, 140 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recneil des Trait~s 1996
(iii) defining and applying population and migration policies to reduce
population pressure on land; and
iv) of drought resistant crops and the application
of integrated dry-land farming systems for food security
purposes;
(b) measures to conserve natural resources:
(i) ensuring integrated and sustainable management of natural
resources, including:
agricultural land and pastoral land;
cover and wildlife;
forests;
resources; and
diversity;
ii) regard to, and strengthening, publio awareness and
anvironmental education campaigns and disseminating knowledge of
techniques relating to the sustainable management of natural
resources; and
(iii) ensuring the development and efficient use of diverse energy
sources, the promotion of alternative sources of energy,
particularly solar energy, wind energy and bio-gas, and specific
arrangements for the transfer, acquisition and adaptation of
relevant technology to alleviate the pressure on fragile natural
resources;
(c) measures to improve institutional organization:
(i) defining the roles and responsibilities of central government and
local authorities within the framework of a land use planning
policy;
(ii) encouraging a policy of active decentralization, devolving
responsibility for management and decision-making to local
and encouraging initiatives and the assumption of
responsibility by local communities and the establishment of
local structures; and
(iii) adjusting, as appropriate, the institutional and regulatory
resource management to provide security of
land tenure for local populations;
(d) measures to improve knowledge of desertification:
(i) promoting research and the collection, processing and exchange of
the scientific, technical and socio-economic
aspects of desertification;
(ii) improving national capabilities in research and in the
collection, processing, exchange and analysis of information so
and to translate the results of the
analysis into operational terma; and
Vol, 1-33480
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Traitis 141
(iii) encouraging the medium- and long-study of:
- socio-economic and cultural trends in affected areas;
- qualitative and quantitative trends in natural resources; and
- the interaction between climate and desertification; and
(e) measures to monitor and assess the effects of drought:
i) developing strategies to evaluate the impacts of.climate
variability on regional drought and desertification and/or to
utilize predictions of climate variability on seasonal to
interannual time scales in efforts to mitigate the effects of
drought;
(ii) improving early warning and response capacity, efficiently
managing emergency relief and food aid, and improving food
stocking and distribution systems, cattle protection schemes and
public works and alternative livelihoods for drought prone areas;
and
(iii) monitoring and assessing ecological degradation to provide
reliable and timely information on the process and dynamics of
resource degradation in order to facilitate better policy
formulations and responses.
Article 9
Preparation of national action programmes and
implementation and evaluation indicators
Each affected African country Party shall designate an appropriate national
coordinating body to function as a catalyst in the preparation, implementation
and evaluation of national action programme. This coordinating body shall,
in the light of article 3 and as appropriate:
(a) undertake an identification and review of actions, beginning with a
locally driven consultation process, involving local populations and
communities and with the cooperation of local administrative
authorities, developed country Parties and intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations, on the basis of initial consultations
of those concerned at the national level;
(b) identify and analyse the constraints, needs and gaps affecting
development and sustainable land use and recommend practical measures
to avoid duplication by full use of relevant ongoing efforts
and promote implementation of results;
(c) facilitate, design and formulate project activities based on
interactive, flexible approaches in order to ensure active
participation of the population in affected areas, to minimize the
negative impact of such activities, and to identify and prioritize
requirements for financial assistance and technical cooperation;
(d) establish pertinent, quantifiable and readily verifiable indicators to
ensure the assessment and evaluation of national action progranues,
which encompass actions in the short, medium and terms, and the implementation of such programmes; and
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 141
(iii) enccuraging the medium- and long-term study of:
socio-economic and cultural trends in affected areas;
qualitative and quantitative trends in natural resources; and
the interaction between climate and desertification; and
(e) measures to monitor and assess the effects of drought:
(i) developing strategies to evaluate the impacts of natural climate
variability on regional drought and desertification and/or to
utilize predictions of climate variability on seasonal to
interannual time scales in efforts to mitigate the effects of
drought;
(ii) improving early warning and response capacity, efficiently
managing emergency relief and food aid, and improving food
stocking and distribution systems, cattle protection schemes and
public works and alternative livelihoods for drought prone areas;
and
(iii) monitoring and assessing ecological degradation to provide
reliable and timely information on the process and dynamics of
resource degradation in order to facilitate better policy
formulations and responses.
Article 9
Preparation of national action programmes and
implementation and evaluation indicators
Each affected African country Party shall designate an appropriate national
coordinating body to function as a catalyst in the preparation, implementation
and evaluation of its national action programme. This coordinating body shall,
in the light of article 3 and as appropriate:
(a) undertake an identification and review of actions, beginning with a
locally driven consultation process, involving local populations and
communities and with the cooperation of local administrative
authorities, developed country Parties and intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations, on the basis of initial consultations
of those concerned at the national level;
(b) identify and analyse the constraints, needs and gaps affecting
development and sustainable land use and recommend practical measures
to avoid duplication by making full use of relevant ongoing efforts
and promote implementation of results;
(c) facilitate, design and formulate project activities based on
interactive, flexible approaches in order to ensure active
participation of the population in affected areas, to minimize the
negative impact of such activities, and to identify and prioritize
requirements for financial assistance and technical cooperation;
(d) establish pertinent, quantifiable and readily verifiable indicators to
ensure the assessment and evaluation of national action programmes,
which encompass actions in the short, medium and long terms, and of
the implementation of such programmes; and
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
United - e - Traitis (e) prepare progress reports on the of the national action
Article framework subregional
action Pursuant cooperate preparation and intergovernmental (a) acting as focal points for activities and coordinating the
(b) assisting in the preparation and of national action
(well as providing advice on the review of national legislation; and
(d) subregional action 2. Specialized subregional institutions may provide support, upon
and/or be entrusted with the responsibility to coordinate activities in
their respective fields of competence.
Article 11
Content and of subregional
programmes
action programmes shall focus on issues that are better
shall and/or drought and shall provide support for the harmonious implementation of
national action programmes. Priority areas for subregional action programmes
shall, as appropriate, focus on:
(a) joint programmes for the sustainable management of transboundary
natural resources bilateral multilateral mechanisms, as
(b) coordination of programmes to develop alternative energy sources;
(c) cooperation in the management and control of pests as well as of plant
and animal diseases;
(d) capacity-building, education and public awareness activities that are
142 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 1996
(el prepare progress reports on the implementation of the national action
programmes.
Article 10
Organizational framework of subregional
action programmes
1. Pursuant to article 4 of the Convention, African country Parties shall
cooperate in the preparation and implementation of subregional action programmes
for central, eastern, northern, southern and western Africa and, in that regard,
may delegate the following responsibilities to relevant subregional
intergovernmental organizations:
(a) acting as focal points for preparatory activities and coordinating the
implementation of the subregional action programmes;
(b) assisting in the preparation and implementation of national action
programmes;
(c) facilitating the exchange of information, experience and know-how as
well as providing advice on the review of national legislation; and
(d) any other responsibilities relating to the implementation of
subregional action programmes.
2. Specialized subregional institutions may provide support, upon
request, and/or be entrusted with the responsibility to coordinate activities in
their respective fields of competence.
Article 11
Content and preparation of subregional
action programmes
Subregional action programmes shall focus on issues that are better
addressed at the subregional level. They shall establish, where necessary,
mechanisms for the management of shared natural resources. Such mechanisms
shall effectively handle transboundary problems associated with desertification
and/or drought and shall provide support for the harmonious implementation of
national action programmes. Priority areas for subregional action programmes
shall, as appropriate, focus on:
(a) joint programmes for the sustainable management of trans.boundary
natural resources through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, as
appropriate;
(b) coordination of programmes to develop alternative energy sources;
(c) cooperation in the management and control of pests as well as of plant
and animal diseases;
(d) capacity-building, education and public awareness activities that are
better carried out or supported at the subregional level;
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
* Recueil Traitis (e) scientific and technical cooperation, climatological, meteorological and networking for data collection and assessment, information sharing and
project monitoring, and coordination and prioritization of research
and development activities;
(fM early warning systems and joint planning for drought, including measures to address from
environmentally (g) exploration of of sharing experiences, particularly regarding
participation of local populations and communities, and creation of an
enabling technologies;
(h) strengthening provide technical reorientation and strengthening of institutions; i) development of policies in fields, such affected areas coordination of regional marketing regimes and for common
infrastructure.
regional action programme
1. Pursuant to article 11 of the Convention, shall determine action programme.
2. The Parties may provide appropriate support to relevant African
regional institutions and organizations to enable them Parties to fulfil their responsibilities under the Convention.
Content regional programme
The regional action programme includes measures relating to combating
desertification priority areas, as appropriate:
a) areas,
(b) promotion of capacity-building in activities implemented at the level;
(c) the seeking of solutions with the international economic issues areas
taking b) 33480
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 143
Ce) scientific and technical cooperation, particularly in the
climatological, meteorological and hydrological fields, including
networking for data collection and assessment, information sharing and
project monitoring, and coordination and prioritization of research
and development activities;
(f) early warning systems and joint planning for mitigating the effects of
drought, including measures to the problems resulting from
environmentally induced migrations;
(g) exploration of ways of sharing experiences, particularly regarding
participation of local populations and communities, and creation of an
enabling environment for improved land use management and for use of
appropriate technologies;
Ch) strengthening of the capacity of subregional organizations to
coordinate and provide technical services, as well as establishment,
reorientation and strengthening of subregional centres and
instituticns; and
(i) development of policies in fields, such as trade, which have impact
upon affected areas and populations, including policies for the
coordination of regional marketing regimes and for common
infrastructure.
Article 12
Organizational framework of the
regional action programme
2. Pursuant to article l of the Convention, African country Parties
shall jointly determine the procedures for preparing and implementing the
regional action programme.
2. The Parties may provide appropriate support to relevant African
regional institutions and organizations to enable them to assist African country
Parties to fulfil their responsibilities under the Convention.
Article 13
Content of the regional action programme
The regional action programme includes measures relating to combating
desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought in the following
priority areas, as appropriate:
(a) development of regional cooperation and coordination of subregional
action programmes for building regional consensus on key policy including through regular consultations of subregional organizations;
(b) promotion of capacity-building in activities which are better
implemented at the regional level;
(c) the seeking of solutions with the international community to global
economic and social that have an impact on affected taking into account article 4, paragraph 2 (b) of the Convention;
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
144 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies Recuell des Mraitis
(d) promotion among the affected country Parties of Africa and its
subregions, as well as with other affected regions, of exchange of
information and appropriate and
relevant experience; and cooperation particularly in the fields of hydrology, water resource development and alternative sources;
coordination of subregional and regional research activities; and
identification of regional priorities for research and development;
(e) coordination networks for systematic observation and assessment and
information exchange, as well as their integration into world-wide
networks; and
(f) coordination and reinforcement subregional and regional early
warning systems and drought contingency plans.
Article 14
resources
1. Pursuant to article 20 the Convention and article 4, paragraph 2,
affected African country Parties shall endeavour to provide a macroeconomic
framework conducive to the mobilization policies and establish procedures to channel resources development programmes, including through non-governmental organizations, appropriate.
2. Pursuant to article 21, paragraphs 4 and Parties agree to establish an inventory of sources of funding at the national,
subregional, regional and international levels to ensure the rational use existing resources and to identify gaps in resource allocation, to facilitate
implementation of the action programmes. The inventory shall be regularly
reviewed and updated.
3. Consistent with article 7 of the Convention, the developed country
Parties shall continue to allocate significant resources and/or increased
resources as well as other forms of assistance Parties on the basis of partnership agreements article 18, giving, inter alia, due attention to matters international trade and marketing arrangements in 2 b) Article 15
1. Consistent with article 7 of the Convention underscoring the priority
to affected African country Parties and considering the particular situation
prevailing in this region, the Parties shall implementation in Africa the provisions article 1 d) e) (a) facilitating the establishment of mechanisms, such as national
desertification funds, (b) strengthening existing funds and financial mechanisms at the
subregional and 144 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 11999966
(d) promotion among the affected country Parties of Africa and its
subregions, as well as with other affected regions, of exchange of
information and appropriate techniques, technical know-how and
relevant experience; promotion of scientific and technological
cooperation particularly in the fields of climatology, meteorology,
hydrology, water resource development and alternative energy sources;
coordination of subregional and regional research activities; and
identification of regional priorities for research and development;
(e) coordination of networks for systematic observation and assessment and
information exchange, as well as their integration into world-wide
networks; and
(f) coordination of and reinforcement of subregional and regional early
warning systems and drought contingency plans.
Article 14
Financial resources
1. Pursuant to article 20 of the Convention and article 4, paragraph 2,
affected African country Parties shall endeavour to provide a macroeconomic
framework conducive to the mobilization of financial resources and shall develop
policies and establish procedures to channel resources more effectively to local
development programmes, including through non-governmental organizations, as
appropriate.
2. Pursuant to article 21, paragraphs and 5 of the Convention, the
Parties agree to establish an inventory of sources of funding at the national,
subregional, regional and international levels to ensure the rational use of
existing resources and to identify gaps in resource allocation, to facilitate
implementation of the action programmes. The inventory shall be regularly
reviewed and updated.
3. Consistent with article 7 of the Convention, the developed country
Parties shall continue to allocate significant resources and/or increased
resources as well as other forms of assistance to affected African country
Parties on the basis of partnership agreements and arrangements referred to in
article 18, giving, inter.alia, due attention to matters related to debt,
international trade and marketing arrangements in accordance with article 4,
paragraph 2 (b) of the Convention.
Article 15
Financial mechanisms
1. Consistent with article 7 of the Convention underscoring the priority
to affected African country Parties and considering the particular situation
prevailing in this region, the Parties shall pay special attention to the
implementation in Africa of the provisions of article 21, paragraph 1 (d) and
(e) of the Convention, notably by:
(a) facilitating the establishment of mechanisms, such as national
desertification funds, to channel financial resources to the local
level; and
(b) strengthening existing funds and financial mechanisms at the
subregional and regional levels.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des 2. Consistent with articles 20 and 21 of the Convention, the Parties
which are also members of the governing bodies of relevant regional and
subregional financial institutions, including the African Development Bank and
the African Development Fund, shall promote efforts to give due priority and
attention to the activities of those institutions that advance the
implementation of this Annex.
3. Parties possible, channelling funds to affected African country Parties.
Article 16
Technical assistance and cooperation
The Parties undertake, in accordance with their respective capabilities, rationalize technical assistance to, and cooperation with, African country
Parties with a view to increasing project and programnme effectiveness inter (a) limiting the costs of support measures and backstopping, especially
overhead costs; in any case, such costs shall only represent an
appropriately low percentage of the total cost of the project maximize project efficiency;
(b) giving preference to the utilization of competent national experts or,
region, in project design, preparation and implementation, and to the
(c) effectively managing and coordinating, as well as efficiently
utilizing, technical assistance to be provided.
Transfer, acquisition, adaptation and access to
environmentally sound technology
In implementing article 18 of the Convention relating to transfer,
acquisition, adaptation and development of technology, the new models of partnership and cooperation with a view to strengthening capacitybuilding
in the fields of scientific research and development collection and dissemination to enable them to implement their strategies to
combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.
Coordination and partnership agreements
1. African country Parties shall coordinate the preparation, negotiation
They may involve, as appropriate, other Parties and relevant intergovernmental
and non-governmental organizations in this process.
necessary continuity in the use and administration of resources.
1954. 1996 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Uuies -Recueil des Trait~s 145
2. Consistent with articles 20 and 21 of the Convention, the Parties
which are also members of the governing bodies of relevant regional and
subregional financial institutions, including the African Development Bank and
the African Development Fund, shall promote efforts to give due priority and
attention to the activities of those institutions that advance the
implementation of this Annex.
3. The Parties shall streamline, to the extent possible, procedures for
channelling funds to affected African country Parties.
Article 16
Technical assistance and cooperation
The Parties undertake, in accordance with their respective capabilities, to
rationalize technical assistance to, and cooperation with, African country
Parties with a view to increasing project and programme effectiveness by,
inter alia:
(a) limiting the costs of support measures and backstopping, especially
overhead costs; in any case, such costs shall only represent an
appropriately low percentage of the total cost of the project so as to
maximize project efficiency;
(b) giving preference to the utilization of competent national experts or,
where necessary, competent experts from within the subregion and/or
region, in project design, preparation and implementation, and to the
building of local expertise where it does not exist; and
(c) effectively managing and coordinating, as well as efficiently
utilizing, technical assistance to be provided.
Article 17
Transfer, acquisition, adaptation and access to
environmentally sound technology
In implementing article 18 of the Convention relating to transfer,
acquisition, adaptation and development of technology, the Parties undertake to
give priority to African country Parties and, as necessary, to develop with them
new models of partnership and cooperation with a view to strengthening capacitybuilding
in the fielda of scientific research and development and information
colleotion and dissemination to enable them to implement their strategies to
combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.
Article 18
Coordination and partnership agreements
1. African country Parties shall coordinate the preparation, negotiation
and implementation of national, subregional and regional action programmes.
They may involve, as appropriate, other Parties and relevant intergovernmental
and non-governmental organizations in this prooess.
2. The objectives of such coordination shall be to ensure that financial
and technical cooperation is consistent with the Convention and to provide the
necessary continuity in the use and administration of resources.
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146 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 1996
3. African country Parties shall organize consultative processes at the
national, subregional and regional levels. These consultative processes may:
(a) serve as a forum to negotiate and conclude partnership agreements
based on national, subregional and regional action programmes; and
(b) specify the contribution of African country Parties and other members
of the consultative groups to the programmes and identify priorities
and agreements on implementation and evaluation indicators, as well as
funding arrangements for implementation.
4. The Permanent Secretariat may, at the request of African country
Parties, pursuant to article 23 of the Convention, facilitate the convocation of
such consultative processes by:
(a) providing advice on the organization of effective consultative
arrangements, drawing on experiences from other such arrangements;
(b) providing information to relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies
concerning consultative meetings or processes, and encouraging their
active involvement; and
(c) providing other information that may be relevant in establishing or
improving consultative arrangements.
5. The subregional and regional coordinating bodies shall, inter alia:
(a) recommend appropriate adjustments to partnership agreements;
(b) monitor, assess and report on the implementation of the agreed
subregional and regional programmes; and
(c) aim to ensure efficient communication and cooperation among African
country Parties.
6. Participation in the consultative groups shall, as appropriate, be
open to Governments, interested groups and donors, relevant organs, funds and
programmes of the United Nations system, relevant subregional and regional
organizations, and representatives of relevant non-governmental organizations.
Participants of each consultative group shall determine the modalities of its
management and operation.
7. Pursuant to article 14 of the Convention, developed country Parties
are encouraged to develop, on their own initiative, an informal process of
consultation and coordination among themselves, at the national, subregional and
regional levels, and, at the request of an affected African country Party or of
an appropriate subregional or regional organization, to participate in a
national, subregional or regional consultative process that would evaluate and
respond to assistance needs in order to facilitate implementation.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
146 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies -- Recueil des Trait~s 1996
3. African country Parties shall organize consultative processes at the
national, subregional and regional levels. These consultative processes may:
(a) serve as a forum to negotiate and conclude partnership agreements
based on national, subregional and regional action programmes; and
(b) specify the contribution of African country Parties and other members
of the consultative groups to the programmes and identify priorities
and agreements on implementation and evaluation indicators, as well as
funding arrangements for implementation.
4. The Permanent Secretariat may, at the request of African country
Parties, pursuant to article 23 of the Convention, facilitate the convocation of
such consultative processes by:
(a) providing advice on the organization of effective consultative
arrangements, drawing on experiences from other such arrangements;
(b) providing information to relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies
concerning consultative meetings or processes, and encouraging their
active involvement; and
(c) providing other information that may be relevant in establishing or
improving consultative arrangements.
5. The subregional and regional coordinating bodies shall, inter alia:
(a) recommend appropriate adjustments to partnership agreements;
(b) monitor, assess and report on the implementation of the agreed
subregional and regional programmes; and
(c) aim to ensure efficient communication and cooperation among African
country Parties.
6. Participation in the consultative groups shall, as appropriate, be
open to Governments, interested groups and donors, relevant organs, funds and
programmes of the United Nations system, relevant subregional and regional
organizations, and representatives of relevant non-governmental organizations.
Participants of each consultative group shall determine the modalities of its
management and operation.
7. Pursuant to article 14 of the Convention, developed country Parties
are encouraged to develop, on their own initiative, an informal process of
consultation and coordination among themselves, at the national, subregional and
regional levels, and, at the request of an affected African country Party or of
an appropriate subregional or regional organization, to participate in a
national, subregional or regional consultative process that would evaluate and
respond to assistance needs in order to facilitate implementation.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
* - Recueil Traits
Follow-up arrangements
Follow-up of this Annex shall be carried out by African country Parties in
accordance with the Convention as follows:
(a) at the national level, by a mechanism the composition of which should
be determined by each affected African country Party and which shall
include representatives of local communities and shall function under
body referred to in
article 9;
(b) at the subregional level, by a multidisciplinary scientific and
technical consultative committee, the composition and modalities of
operation of which shall be determined by the African country Parties
(c) at the regional level, by mechanisms defined in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the African Economic
Community, and by an African Scientific and Technical Advisory
Committee.
Vol 1996 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies --Recueil des Trait~s
Article 19
147
Follow-up arrangements
Follow-up of this Annex shall be carried out by African country Parties in
accordance with the Convention as follows:
(a) at the national level, by a mechanism the composition of which should
be determined by each affected African country Party and which shall
include representatives of local communities and shall function under
the supervision of the national coordinating body referred to in
article 9;
(b) at the subregional level, by a multidisciplinary scientific and
technical consultative committee, the composition and modalities of
operation of which shall be determined by the African country Parties
of the subregion concerned; and
(c) at the regional level, by mechanisms defined in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the African Economic
Community, and by an African Scientific and Technical Advisory
Committee.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- * Recueil Traitis ANNEX REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION ANNEX FOR ASIA
1
conditions.
Article 2
Particular conditions of the a) socioeconomic
b) c) poverty, leading to land degradation and to pressure d) problems such as poverty, poor e) frameworks to deal with and
f) for international cooperation to pursue sustainable
Framework 1. 11 10, 2 f). Vol. 1954, 1-33480
148 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s
II
REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION ANNEX FOR ASIA
Article l
1996
Purpose
The purpose of this Annex is to provide guidelines and arrangements for the
effective implementation of the Convention in the affected country Parties of
the Asian region in the light of its particular conditions.
Article 2
Asian region
In carrying out their obligations under the Convention, the Parties shall,
as appropriate, take into consideration the following particular conditions
which apply in varying degrees to the affected country Parties of the region:
(a) the high proportion of areas in their territories affected by, or
vulnerable to, desertification and drought and the broad diversity of
these areas with regard to climate, topography, land use and socioeconomic
systems;
(b) the heavy pressure on natural resources for livelihoods;
(c) the existence of production systems, directly related to widespread
on scarce water
resources;
(d) the significant impact of conditions in the world economy and social
health and nutrition, lack of food
security, migration, displaced persons and demographic dynamics;
(e) their expanding, but still insufficient, capacity and institutional
national desertification and drought problems;
(f) their need for international cooperation to pursue sustainable
development objectives relating to combating desertification and
mitigating the effects of drought.
Article 3
for national action programmes
l. National action programmes shall be an integral part of broader
national policies for sustainable development of the affected country Parties of
the region.
2. The affected country Parties shall, as appropriate, develop national
action programmes pursuant to articles 9 to 1l of the Convention, paying special
attention to article paragraph (f). As appropriate, bilateral and
multilateral cooperation agencies may be involved in this process at the request
of the affected country Party concerned.
United - Treaty * Traitks
Article 4
National programmes
1. In programmes, aiia, a) b) a c) desertification d) e) a) d);
f) g) h) i) 10 a).
1 954,1 -33480
1996 Unitcd Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 149
4
National action programmes
preparing and implementing national action the affected
country Parties of the region, consistent with their respective circumstances
and policies, may, inter alia, as appropriate:
(a) designate appropriate bodies responsible for the preparation,
coordination and implementation of their action programmes;
(b) involve affected populations, including local communities, in the
elaboration, coordination and implementation of their action
programmes through a locally driven consultative process, with the
cooperation of local authorities and relevant national and
non-governmental organizations;
(cl survey the state of the environment in affected areas to assess the
causes and consequences of desertificaticn and to determine priority
areas for action;
(d) evaluate, with the participation of affected populations, past and
current programmes for combating desertification and mitigating the
effects of drought, in order to design a strategy and elaborate
activities in their action programmes;
(e) prepare technical and financial programmes based on the information
derived from the activities in subparagraphs (a) to (d);
(fl develop and utilize procedures and benchmarks for evaluating
implementation of their action programmes;
(g) promote the integrated management of drainage basins, the conservation
of soil resources, and the enhancement and efficient use of water
resources;
(h) strengthen and/or establish information, evaluation and follow-up and
early warning systems in regions prone to desertification and drought,
taking account of climatological, meteorological, hydrological,
biological and other relevant factors; and
(i) formulate in a spirit of partnership, where international cooperation,
including financial and technical resources, is involved, appropriate
arrangements supporting their action programmes.
2. Consistent with article 1o of the Convention, the overall strategy of
national action programmes shall emphasize integrated local development
programmes for affected areas, based on participatory mechanisms and on the
integration of strategies for poverty eradication into efforts to combat
desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. Sectoral measures in the
action programmes shall be grouped in priority fields which take account of the
broad diversity of affected areas in the region referred to in article 2 (a).
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- * Recueil Traitis Article progranes
inter alia, a) b) c) d) relating to desertification, priorities building, programmes may include, inter alia, measured to strengthen institutions mechanisms for coordination and cooperation a) b) how 1954, 1-33480
150 United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 1996
5
Subregional and joint action programmes
1. Pursuant to article 11 of the Convention, affected country Parties in
Asia may mutually agree to consult and cooperate with other Parties, as
appropriate, to prepare and implement subregional or joint action programmes, as
appropriate, in order to complement, and increase effectiveness in the
implementation of, national action programmes. In either case, the relevant
Parties may jointly agree to entrust subregional, including bilateral or
national organizations, or specialized institutions, with responsibilities
relating to the preparation, coordination and implementation of programmes.
Such organizations or institutions may also act as focal points for the
promotion and coordination of actions pursuant to articles 16 to 18 of the
Convention.
2. In preparing and implementing subregional or joint action programmes,
the affected country Parties of the region shall, inter.alia, as appropriate:
(a) identify, in cooperation with national institutions, priorities
relating to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
drought which can better be met by such programmes, as well as
relevant activities which could be effectively carried out through
them;
(b) evaluate the operational capacities and activities of relevant
regional, subregional and national institutions;
(c) assess existing programmes relating to desertification and drought
among all or some parties of the region or subregion and their
relationship with national action programmes; and
(d) formulate in a spirit of partnership, where international cooperation,
including financial and technical resources, is involved, appropriate
bilateral and/or multilateral arrangements supporting the programmes.
3. Subregional or joint action programmes may include agreed joint
programmes for the sustainable management of transboundary natural resources
for coordination and other activities in
the fields of capacity-building, scientific and technical cooperation,
particularly drought early warning systems and information sharing, and means of
strengthening the relevant subregional and other organizations or institutions.
Article 6
Regional activities
Regional activities for the enhancement of subregional or joint action
measures and
at the national, subregional and
regional levels, and to promote the implementation of articles 16 to 19 of the
Convention. These activities may also include:
(a) promoting and strengthening technical cooperation networks;
(b) preparing inventories of technologies, knowledge, know-how and
practices, as well as traditional and local technologies and know-how,
and promoting their dissemination and use;
Vol.
- Treaty e c) d) capacitybuilding
Financial resources and mechanisms
a or jointly:
a) view effects of drought;
b) c) 8
Cooperation and coordination mechanisms
I a), appropriate, set up a mechanism for, inter alia, the following (a) exchange of information, experience, knowledge and know-how;
(b) cooperation and coordination c) (d) identification of external cooperation requirements; and
e) 1-33480
1996 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s
151
(c) evaluating the requirements for technology transfer and promoting the
adaptation and use of such technologies; and
(d) encouraging public awareness programmes and promoting capacitybuilding
at all levels, strengthening training, research and
development and building systems for human resource development.
Article 7
Financial resources and mechanisms
1. The Parties shall, in view of the importance of combating
desertification and mitigating the effects of drought in the Asian region,
promote the mobilization of substantial financial resources and the availability
of financial mechanisms, pursuant to articles 20 and 21 of the Convention.
2. In conformity with the Convention and on the basis of the coordinating
mechanism provided for in article 8 and in accordance with their national
development policies, affected country Parties of the region shall, individually
or jointly:
(a) adopt measures to rationalize and strengthen mechanisms to supply
funds through public and private investment with a to achieving
specific results in action to combat desertification and mitigate the
effects of drought;
(b) identify international cooperation requirements in support of national
efforts, particularly financial, technical and technological; and
(c) promote the participation of bilateral and/or multilateral financial
cooperation institutions with a view to ensuring implementation of the
Convention.
3. The Parties shall streamline, to the extent possible, procedures for
channelling funds to affected country Parties in the region.
Article a
Cooperation and coordination mechanisms
1. Affected country Parties, through the appropriate bodies designated
pursuant to article 4, paragraph 1 (a), and other Parties in the region, may, as
inter.alla, purposes:
(a) exchange of information, experience, knowledge and know-how;
(b) cooperation and coordination of actions, including bilateral and
multilateral arrangements, at the subregional and regional levels;
(c) promotion of scientific, technical, technological and financial
cooperation pursuant to articles 5 to 7;
(d) identification of external cooperation requirements; and
(e) follow-up and evaluation of the implementation of action programmes.
Vol. 1954,
152 - * Traitis 2. Affected country Parties, through the appropriate a). other Parties and relevant intergovernmental alia, a) (b) providing information to relevant bilateral and multilateral c) Vol. 1954, 1-33480
United Nations -- Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 1996
2. Affected country Parties, through the appropriate bodies designated
pursuant to article 4, paragraph 1 (a), and other Parties in the region, may
also, as appropriate, consult and coordinate as regards the national,
subregional and joint action programmes. They may involve, as appropriate,
other Parties and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
in this process. Such coordination shall, inter Alia, seek to secure agreement
on opportunities for international cooperation in accordance with articles 20
and 21 of the Convention, enhance technical cooperation and channel resources so
that they are used effectively.
3. Affected country Parties of the region shall hold periodic
coordination meetings, and the Permanent Secretariat may, at their request,
pursuant to article 23 of the Convention, facilitate the convocation of such
coordination meetings by:
(a) providing advice on the organization of effective coordination
arrangements, drawing on experience from other such arrangements;
(b) providing information to relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies
concerning coordination meetings, and encouraging their active
involvement; and
(c) providing other information that may be relevant in establishing or
improving coordination processes.
33480
Treaty e - Traitks
ANNEX III
REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION ANNEX FOR
Purpose
Article 2
a) by b) international economic factors such as external indebtedness,
c) p .,.lem country.
Action programmes
1. affected country
11999966 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies -- Recueil des Trait~s
IMPLEMENTATIGN POR
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Article 1
153
Purpose
The purpose of this Annex is to provide general guidelines for the
implementation of the Convention in the Latin American and Caribbean region, in
light of its particular conditions.
Particular conditions of the Latin American
and Caribbean region
The Parties shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention,
take into consideration the following particular conditions of the region:
(a) the existence of broad expanses which are vulnerable and have been
severely affected desertification and/or drought and in which
diverse characteristics may be observed, depending on the area in
which they occur; this cumulative and intensifying process has
negative social, cultural, economic and environmental effects which
are all the more serious in that the region contains one of the
largest resources of biological diversity in the world;
(b) the frequent use of unsustainable development practices in affected
areas as a result of complex interactions among physical, biological,
political, social, cultural and economic factors, including
international economic factors such as external indebtedness,
deteriorating terms of trade and trade practices which affect markets
for agricultural, fishery and forestry products; and
(c) a sharp drop in the productivity of ecosystems being the main
consequence of desertification and drought, taking the form of a
decline in agricultural, livestock and forestry yields and a loss of
biological diversity; from the social point of view, the results are
impoverishment, migration, internal population movements, and the
deterioration of the quality of life: the region will therefore have
to adopt an integrated approach to p-blems of desertification and
drought by promoting sustainable development models that are in
keeping with the environmental, economic and social situation in each
country.
Article 3
Action programmes
In conformity with the Convention, in particular its articles 9 to 11,
and in accordance with their national development policies, affected country
Parties of the region shall, as appropriate, prepare and implement national
action programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought
as an integral part of their national policies for sustainable development.
Subregional and regional programmes may be prepared and implemented in
accordance with the requirements of the region.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
* - Recueii Traitks
of their national action programmes, affected
country Parties of the region shall pay particular attention to article 10,
f) of the Convention.
Article Content of national action programmes
situations, the affected Parties
inter alia, of the following thematic issues in
strategies for action to combat desertification and/or
pursuant to article 5 of the Convention:
(a) increasing capacities, education and public awareness, technical,
scientific and technological cooperation and financial resources and
mechanisms;
(b) eradicating poverty and improving the quality of human life;
(c) achieving food security and sustainable development and management of
(d) sustainable management of natural resources, especially the rational
management of drainage basins;
e) areas;
(f) rational management and conservation of soil resources and
exploitation and efficient use of water resources;
g) of drought;
h) i) (j) Convention on Biological k) and
drought; and
1) institutional and legal frameworks
inter alia, to
of affected
in general.
1-33480
154 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s 11999966
2. In the preparation of their national action programmes, affected
country Parties of the region shall pay particular attention to article 10,
paragraph 2 (f) of the Convention.
Article 4
Content of national action programmes
In the light of their respective situations, the affected country Parties
of the region may take account, inter alia, of the following thematic issues in
developing their national strategies for action to combat desertification and/or
mitigate the effects of drcught, pursuant to article 5 of the Convention:
(a) increasing capacities, education and public awareness, technical,
scientific and technological cooperation and financial resources and
mechanisms;
(b) eradicating poverty and improving the quality of human life;
(c) achieving food security and sustainable development and management of
agricultural, livestock-rearing, forestry and multipurpose activities;
(d) sustainable management of natural resources, especially the rational
management of drainage basins;
(e) sustainable management of natural resources in high-altitude areas;
(fl rational management and conservation of soil resources and
exploitation and efficient use of water resources;
(g) formulation and application of emergency plans to mitigate the effects
of drought;
(h) strengthening and/or establishing information, evaluation and
follow-up and early warning systems in areas prone to desertification
and drought, taking account of climatological, meteorological,
hydrological, biological, soil, economic and social factors;
(i) developing, managing and efficiently using diverse sources of energy,
including the promotion of alternative sources;
(j) conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in accordance with
the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
(k) consideration of demographic aspects related to desertification and
drought; and
(l) establishing or strengthening institutional and legal frameworks
permitting application of the Convention and aimed, inter.alia, at
decentralizing administrative structures and functions relating to
desertification and drought, with the participation of affected
communities and society in general.
Vol. 1954, 33480
- e - Traitks 155
a) b) prepare (c) promote the use of traditional technology, knowledge, know-how and
b), d) e) existing and new environmentally sound technologies.
7 and a) funds through public specific results in action to combat desertification and mitigate effects of drought;
(b) identify international c) cooperation institutions with ensuring Article 7
Institutional framework
the
(a) establish and/or strengthen national focal points to coordinate 1996 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s Article S
Technical, scientific and technological cooperation
In conformity with the Convention, in particular its articles 16 to 18, and
on the basis of the coordinating mechanism provided for in article 7, affected
country Parties of the region shall, individually or jointly:
(a) promote the strengthening of technical cooperation networks and
national, subregional and regional information systems, as well as
their integration, as appropriate, in world-wide sources of
information;
(b) prepare an inventory of available technologies and know-how and
promote their dissemination and use;
(c) promote the use of traditional technology, knowledge, know-how and
practices pursuant to article 18, paragraph 2 (b), of the Convention;
(d) identify transfer of technology requirements; and
(e) promote the development, adaptation, adoption and transfer of relevant
existing and new environmentally sound technologies.
Article 6
Financial resources and mechanisms
In conformity with the Convention, in particular its articles 20 and 21, on
the basis of the coordinating mechanism provided for in article in
accordance with their national development policies, affected country Parties of
the region shall, individually or jointly:
(a) adopt measures to rationalize and strengthen mechanisms to supply
and private investment with a view to achieving
to' the
b) cooperation requirements in support of national
efforts; and
(c) promote the participation of bilateral and/or multilateral financial
a view to implementation of the
Convention.
1. In order to give effect to this Annex, affected country Parties of the
region shall:
a) action
to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought; and
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
156 United - 9 Recueil Traitis (b) national following purposes:
i (ii) coordination of activities at the subregional and regional
levels;
iii) and financial
cooperation;
iv) of external requirements; and
v) programmes.
by:
(a) b) c) may .1954, Uuited Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s
set up a mechanism to coordinate the naticnal focal points for the
following purposes:
(i) exchanges of information and experience;
(ii) coordination of activities at the subregional and regional
levels;
1996
(iii) promotion of technical, scientific, technological and financial
cooperation;
(iv) identification of external cooperation requirements; and
(v) follow-up and evaluation of the implementation of action
programmes.
2. Affected country Parties of the region shall hold periodic
coordination meetings and the Permanent Secretariat may, at their request,
pursuant to article 23 of the Convention, facilitate the convocation of such
coordination meetings, by:
a) providing advice on the organization of effective coordination
arrangements, drawing on experience from other such arrangements;
(b) providing information to relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies
concerning coordination meetings, and encouraging their active
involvement; and
(c) providing other information that be relevant in establishing or
improving coordination processes.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- e - Traitks Purpose
Parties Mediterranean region
a) semi-arid b) c) d) e) f) g) 3
1. governmental f) 1996 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies Recueil des Trait~s
ANNEX IV
REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION ANNEX FOR
THE NORTHERN MEDITERRANEAN
Article 1
157
Purpose
The purpose of this Annex is to provide guidelines and arrangements
necessary for the effective implementation of the Convention in affected country
Parties of the northern Mediterranean region in the light of its particular
conditions.
Article 2
Particular conditions of the northern
Mediterranean region
The particular conditions of the northern Mediterranean region referred to
in article 1 include:
(a) semi-arid climatic conditions affecting large areas, seasonal
droughts, very high rainfall variability and sudden and high-intensity
rainfall;
(b) poor and highly erodible soils, prone to develop surface crusts;
(c) uneven relief with steep slopes and very diversified landscapes;
(d) extensive forest coverage losses due to frequent wildfires;
(e) crisis conditions in traditional agriculture with associated land
abandonment and deterioration of soil and water conservation
structures;
(f) unsustainable exploitation of water resources leading to serious
environmental damage, including chemical pollution, salinization and
exhaustion of aquifers; and
(g) concentration of economic activity in coastal areas as a result of
urban growth, industrial activities, tourism and irrigated
agriculture.
Article Strategic planning framework for
sustainable development
1, National action programmes shall be a central and integral part of the
strategic planning framework for sustainable development of the affected country
Parties of the northern Mediterranean.
2. A consultative and participatory process, involving appropriate levels
of government, local communities and non-governmental organizations, shall be
undertaken to provide guidance on a strategy with flexible planning to allow
maximum local participation, pursuant to article 10, paragraph 2 (f) of the
Convention.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
- * Traitis Article 4
Obligation to prepare national action
Affected country Parties of the northern Mediterranean region shall prepare
national action programmes and, as appropriate, subregional, regional or joint
action programmes. The preparation of such programmes shall be finalized as
soon as practicable.
Article 5
Preparation and implementation of
national action programmes
In preparing and implementing national action programmes pursuant to
articles 9 and 10 of the Convention, each affected country Party of the region
shall, as appropriate:
(a) designate appropriate bodies responsible for the preparation,
coordination and implementation of its programme;
(b) involve affected populations, including local communities, in the
elaboration, coordination and implementation of the programme through
process, with the cooperation of local
authorities and relevant non-governmental organizations;
c) environment in affected areas to assess the
and to determine priority
action;
(d) evaluate, with the participation of affected populations, past and
current programmes in order to design a strategy and elaborate
e) gained through the activities in subparagraphs (a) to (d); and
(f) develop and utilize procedures and benchmarks for and
of the Article Content national action programmes
a) and administrative areas;
b) soil conservation,
forestry, agricultural activities and pasture and range management;
c) and other forms of biological
diversity;
d) forest fires;
158 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s
4
1996
Obligation to prepare national action
programmes and timetable
Affected country Parties of the northern Mediterranean region shall prepare
national action programmes and, as appropriate, subregional, regional or joint
action programmes. The preparation of such programmes shall be finalized as
soon as practicable.
Article 5
Preparation and implementation of
national action programmes
In preparing and implementing national action programmes pursuant to
articles 9 and 10 of the Convention, each affected country Party of the region
shall, as appropriate:
(a) designate appropriate bodies responsible for the preparation,
coordination and implementation of its programme;
(b) involve affected populations, including local communities, in the
elaboration, coordination and implementation of the programme through
a locally driven consultative process, with the cooperation of local
authorities and relevant non-governmental organizations;
(c) survey the state of the environment in affected areas to assess the
causes and consequences of desertification and to determine priority
areas for action;
(d) evaluate, with the participation of affected populations, past and
current programmes in order to design a strategy and elaborate
activities in the action programme;
(e) prepare technical and financial programmes based on the information
gained through the activities in subparagraphs (a) to (d); and
(fl develop and utilize procedures and benchmarks for monitoring and
evaluating the implementation of the programme.
Article 6
Content of national action programmes
Affected country Parties of the region may include, in their national
action programmes, measures relating to:
(a) legislative, institutional and administrative areas;
(bl land use patterns, management of water resources, soil conservation,
forestry, agricultural activities and pasture and range management;
(c) management and conservation of wildlife and other forms of biological
diversity;
(d) protection against forest fires;
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
1996 United Nations - Treaty Series * Nations Unies Traitks 159
(e) promotion of alternative livelihoods; and
(f) research, and Subregional, regional joint programmes
Affected the Convention, programmes in order to programmes., Two or more affected country Parties of the region, may similarly
agree to prepare joint The provisions mutatis mutandis preparation and implementation of subregional, regional and action
programmes. In addition, such programmes may include the conduct of research
and development activities concerning selected ecosystems in affected areas.
3. In preparing programmes, affected country Parties of the region shall, as appropriate:
a) programmes and relevant out (b) evaluate the operational capacities and activities of relevant
c) of the region and Coordination of subregional, regional
and joint action programmes
Affected country Parties preparing a subregional, regional or joint action
programme may establish a coordination committee composed of representatives of
each affected country concerned-to review progress in combating
desertification, harmonize national action programmes, make recommendations at
the various stages of preparation and implementation of the subregional,
or joint action programme, and act as a focal point for the promotion
and coordination of technical cooperation pursuant to articles 16 to 19 of the
Convention.
1996 United Nations Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s
(e) promotion of alternative livelihoods; and
(f) research, training and public awareness.
159
Article 7
Subregional, regional and joint action programmes
1. Affected country Parties of the region may, in accordance with article
11 of the Convention, prepare and implement subregional and/or regional action
programmes in order to complement and increase the efficiency of national action
programmes., Two or more affected country Parties of the region, may similarly
agree to prepare a joint action programme between or among them.
2. The provisions of articles 5 and 6 shall apply mtatis mutandig to the
preparation and implementation of subregional, regional and joint action
programmes. In addition, such programmes may include the conduct of research
and development activities concerning selected ecosystems in affected areas.
3. In preparing and implementing subregional, regional or joint action
programmes, affected country Parties of the region shall, as appropriate:
(a) identify, in cooperation with national institutions, national
objectives relating to desertification which can better be met by such
programmes and relevant activities which could be effectively carried
out through them;
(b) evaluate the operational capacities and activities of relevant
regional, subregional and national institutions; and
(c) assess existing programmes relating to desertification among Parties
of the region and their relationship with national action programmes.
Article 8
Coordination of subregional, regional
and joint action programmes
Affected country Parties preparing a subregional, regional or joint action
programme may establish a coordination committee composed of representatives of
each affected country Party concerned·to review progress in combating
desertification, harmonize national action programmes, make recommendations at
the various stages of preparation and implementation of the subregional,
regional or joint action programme, and act as a focal point for the promotion
and coordination of technical cooperation pursuant to articles 16 to 19 of the
Convention.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
9 Recuefl Traitis 1990
9
implemeting progrannes, receive financial assistance under this Convention.
with subregions and regions
Subregional, regional and joint action programmes in the northern
of other subregions or regions, particularly with those of the subregion of
Vol.1 954.1 -33480
160 United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Trait~s 1996
Article 9
Non-eligibility for financial assistance
In implementing national, subregional, regional and joint action
programmes, affected developed country Parties of the region are not eligible to
receive financial assistance under this Convention.
Article 10
Coordination other Subregional, regional and joint action programmes in the northern
Mediterranean region may be prepared and implemented in collaboration with those
of other subregions or regions, particularly with those of the subregion of
northern Africa.
Vol. 1954, 1-33480
(XXVII.10)
Attention: Treaty Services of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of international organizations concerned.
Reference: C.N.1490.2000.TREATIES-16 (Depositary Notification)
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN
THOSE COUNTRIES EXPERIENCING SERIOUS DROUGHT AND/OR
DESERTIFICATION, PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA
PARIS, 17 OCTOBER 1994
ADOPTION OF ANNEX V
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, acting in his capacity as depositary,
communicates the following:
At the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties to the above Convention, held in Bonn,
Germany, from 11 to 22 December 2000, the Regional Implementation Annex for Central and Eastern
Europe to the above Convention (Annex V) was adopted by decision 7/COP.4 of 22 December 2000
(12th Plenary meeting).
In accordance with paragraph 3 of article 31, on the expiry of six months from the date of this
notification, the adoption of annex V shall become effective for all Parties to the Convention which
have not submitted a notification in accordance with the provisions of article 31 (3) (a) or a declaration
in accordance with the provisions of article 31 (3) (b).
..... The texts of the Annex in the six languages is transmitted herewith.
6 March 2001
UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
POSTAL ADDRESS ADRESSE POSTALE UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. 10OI7
CABLE ADDRESS-ADRESSE TELEGRAPHIQUE UNATIONS NEWYORK
1490.2000.TREATIES-Annex)
jUin?K v
REGIONAL The particular conditions of the Central and Eastern European
region referred to in article 1, which apply in varying degrees to
the affected country Parties of the region, include:
(a) specific problems and challenges related to the current
process of economic transition, including macroeconomic and financial
problems and the need for strengthening the social and political
framework for economic and market reforms;
(b) the variety of forms of land degradation in the different
ecosystems of the region, including the effects of drought and the
risks of desertification in regions prone to soil erosion caused by
water and wind;
(c) crisis conditions in agriculture due, to
depletion of arable land, problems related to inappropriate
irrigation systems and graducil deterioration of soil and water
conservation structures;
(d) unsustainable exploitation of water resources leading to
serious environmental damage, including chemical pollution,
salinisation and exhaustion of aquifers;
e) factors,
consequences of air pollution and frequent wildfires;
( f) the use of unsustainable development practices in
affected areas as a result of complex interactions among physical,
biological, political, social and economic factors;
(c) the risks of growing economic hardships and deteriorating
social conditions in areas affected by land degradation,
desertification and drought;
(h) the need to review research objectives and the policy and
legislative framework for the sustainable management of natural
resources; and
(:.) the
the region to wider international
cooperation and
the pursuit
of broad objectives of sustainable
development.
appropr:.ate C.N.140.2000.TREATIES-16 (Annex)
nnex. V
REG.ZONAL IMPLEMENTATION ANNEX FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
Article 1
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Annex is to provide guidelines and
arrangements for the effective implementation of the Convention in
affected country Parties of the Central and Eastern European region,
in the light of its particular conditions.
Article 2
PARTICULAR CONDITIONS OF THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN REGION
a) a.nd b) c) inter alia, gradual d) (e) forest coverage losses due to climatic
affectec. c) h) (i.)
cooper at.ion
opening up of
Article 3
ACTION PROGRAMMES
1. National action programmes shall be an integral part of the
policy framework for sustainable development and address in an
appropr:ate manner the various forms of land degradation,
desertification and drought affecting the Parties of the region.
2. A consultative and participatory process, involving appropriate
levels of government, local communities and non-governmental
organizations, shall be undertaken to provide guidance on a strategy
with flexible planning to allow maximum local participation, pursuant
2(f), concerned.
programmes
a) programme;
b) non-governmental
c) d) e) a) (d); and
f) different mutatis
mutandis, activities
a) to article 10, paragraph 2 (fl, of the Convention. As appropriate,
bilateral and multilateral cooperation agencies may be involved in
this process at the request of the affected country Party concerned.
Article 4
PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMMES
In preparing and implementing national action programmes
pursuant to articles 9 and 10 of the Convention, each affected
country Party of the region shall, as appropriate:
(a) designate appropriate bodies responsible for the
preparation, coordination and implementation of its programme;
(bl involve affected populations, including local
communities, in the elaboration, coordination and implementation of
the programme through a locally driven consultative process, with the
cooperation of local authorities and relevant non-governmental
organizations;
(c) survey the state of the environment in affected areas to
assess the causes and consequences of desertification and to
determine priority areas for action;
(d) evaluate, with the participation of affected populations,
past and current programmes in order to design a strategy and
elaborate actions in the action programme;
(e)
information
d); prepare technical and financial programmes based on the
gained through the activities in subparagraphs (a) to
(fl develop and utilize procedures and benchmarks for
monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the programme.
Article 5
SUBREGIONAL, REGIONAL AND JOINT ACTION PROGRAMMES
1. Affected country Parties of the region, in accordance with
articles 11 and 12 of the Convention, may prepare and implement
subregional and/or regional action programmes in order to complement
and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of national action
programmes. Two or more affected country Parties of the region may
similarly agree to prepare a joint action programme between or among
them.
2. Such programmes may be prepared and implemented in
collaboration with other Parties or regions. The objective of such
collaboration would be to secure an enabling international
environment and to facilitate financial and/or technical support or
other forms of assistance to address more effectively desertification
and drought issues at different levels.
3. The provisions of articles 3 and 4 shall apply, mutatis
mutandis, to the preparation and implementation of subregional,
regional and joint action programmes. In addition, such programmes
may include the conduct of research and development activities
concerning selected ecosystems in affected areas.
4. In preparing and implementing subregional, regional or joint
action programmes, affected country Parties of the region shall, as
appropriate:
(a) identify, in cooperation with national institutions,
national objectives relating to desertification which can better be
met by such programmes, and relevant activities, which could be
effectively carried out through them;
2
(b) evaluate the operational capacities and activities of
relevant regional, subregional and national institutions;
(c) assess existing programmes relating to desertification
among Parties of the region and their relationship with national
action programmes; and
(d) consider action for the coordination of subregional,
regional and joint action programmes, including, as appropriate, the
establLshment of coordination committees composed of representatives
of each affected country Party concerned to review progress in
combating desertification, harmonize national action programmes, make
recommendations at the various stages of preparation and
implementation of the subregional, regional or joint action
programmes, and act as focal points for the promotion and
coordination of technical cooperation pursuant to articles 16 to 19
of the Convention.
a) •I n t»T/-\v*l worl d/^Tw»7i'i dAe^ sa\yras tt* et^mrrsta of\ff i•{ mn-fP^o\vr*mmao ft~ ii yo*vnn ;» aann/d^
b) In conformity with the
objective
and
principles
of the
Convention, affected country Parties
of
the region
shall,
individually or jointly:
(a) adopt measures to rationalize and strengthen mechanisms
to supply funds through public and private investment with a view to
achieving concrete results in action to combat land degradation and
desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;
(b) identify international cooperation requirements in
support of national efforts, thereby creating, in particular, an
enabling environment for investments and encouraging active
investment policies and an integrated approach to effectively
combating desertification, including early identification of the
problems caused by this process;
(c) seek the participation of bilateral and/or multilateral
partners and financial cooperation institutions with a view to
ensuring implementation of the Convention, including programme
activities which take into account the specific needs of affected
country Parties of the region; and
(d) assess the possible impact of article 2(a) on the
implementation of articles 6, 13 and 20 and other related provisions
of the Convention.
1. effect b) c) d) establishment representatives
progranmes, Article 6
TECHNICAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION
In conformity with the objective and principles of the
Convention, Parties of the region shall, individually or jointly:
(a) promote the strengthening of scientific
cooperation networks, of monitoring indicators and
systems at all levels, as well as their integration,
in worldwide systems of information; and
and technical
of information
as appropriate,
(b) promote the development, adaptation and transfer of
relevant existing and new environmentally sound technologies within
and outside the region.
Article 7
FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS
county
a) mechanisms
b) c) or d) a) Article 8
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
1. In order to give effect: to this Annex, Parties of the region
shall:
3
(a) establish and/or
strengthen national focal points to
coordinate action to combat
desertification and/or mitigate the
effects of drought; and
(b) consider mechanisms to strengthen regional cooperation,
as appropriate.
2. The Permanent Secretariat may, at the request of Parties of the
region and pursuant to article 23 of the Convention, facilitate the
convocation of coordination meetings in the region by:
(a) providing advice on the
organization of effective
coordination arrangements, drawing on
experience from other such
arrangemen t s; and
(b) providing other information that may be relevant in
establishing or improving coordination processes.
a) or b) a) arrangements; and
b) 4
(XXVII.10)
Attention: Treaty Services of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of international organizations concerned.
Reference: C.N.866.2001.TREATIES-5 (Depositary Notification)
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN
THOSE COUNTRIES EXPERIENCING SERIOUS DROUGHT AND/OR
DESERTIFICATION, PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA
PARIS, 17 OCTOBER 1994
ENTRY INTO FORCE OF ANNEX V TO THE ABOVE CONVENTIONi
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, acting in his capacity as depositary,
communicates the following:
The Annex V adopted at the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties to the above
Convention, held in Bonn, Germany, from 11 to 22 December 2000, entered into force on 6 September
2001, in accordance with paragraph 3 of article 31 of the Convention.
17 September 2001
1.Refer to depositary notification C.N.1490.2001.TREATIES-16 of 6 March 2001 (Adoption of Annex
V)
UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
POSTAL ADDRESS ADRESSE POSTALE UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. 10OIT
CABLE ADDRESS-ADRESSE TELEGRAPHIQUE UNATIONS NEWYORK
PART II (B): Desertification