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Useful informations
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 and 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 desertification 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 protection 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.
3. Affected developing country Parties are eligible for assistance in the
implementation of the Convention.
Article 5
Obligations of 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 socio- 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 8
Relationship with other conventions
1. The 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 Change and the Convention on
Biological Diversity, 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 observation and information
collection 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.
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.
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 be
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.
3. National action programmes may include, inter alia, some or all of the
following measures to prepare for and mitigate the effects of drought:
(a) establishment and/or strengthening, as appropriate, of early warning
systems, including local and national facilities and joint systems at the
subregional and regional levels, and mechanisms for assisting
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, particularly 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.
4. Taking into account the 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 relate to combating desertification 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 11
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 mutandis 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 strengthening of
relevant institutions.
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 and 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 desertification 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 protection 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.
3. Affected developing country Parties are eligible for assistance in the
implementation of the Convention.
Article 5
Obligations of 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 socio- 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 8
Relationship with other conventions
1. The 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 Change and the Convention on
Biological Diversity, 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 observation and information
collection 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.
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.
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 be
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.
3. National action programmes may include, inter alia, some or all of the
following measures to prepare for and mitigate the effects of drought:
(a) establishment and/or strengthening, as appropriate, of early warning
systems, including local and national facilities and joint systems at the
subregional and regional levels, and mechanisms for assisting
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, particularly 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.
4. Taking into account the 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 relate to combating desertification 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 11
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 mutandis 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 strengthening of
relevant institutions.
Combating Desertification
In the spirit of the UNCCD, "combating desertification" includes
activities that are part of the integrated development of land in arid,
semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas for sustainable development
which are aimed at:
prevention and/or reduction of land degradation;
rehabilitation of partly degraded land; and
reclamation of desertified land.
"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.
Action Programmes for Combating Desertification
National, sub-regional and regional action programmes provide the
framework for Convention implementation, as they represent the
central element of the strategy to combat desertification and
mitigate the effects of drought. They are formulated on the basis of
existing relevant successful plans and programmes, and are
updated through a continuing participatory process that takes into
account lessons from field action, as well as the result of research.
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. In
addition, they specify the domestic and external resources
available and those still needed. Sub-regional and regional action
programmes help to harmonize, complement and strengthen
national action programmes by promoting joint initiatives (for
example, in the case of trans-boundary ecosystems) and better
co-operation among scientific and technical institutions.
Local communities play a key role in formulating and carrying out
action programmes, since they are the ones that depend on and
understand the land. National governments have an obligation to
provide an enabling environment by removing obstacles and
providing support to action programme implementation. This
requires a strong international co-operation between developed
and developing countries.
The Global Mechanism assists in securing the financing for the
development and subsequent implementation of action
programmes. In doing so, it adopts an iterative and participatory
approach aimed at defining and establishing operational linkages
between action programmes and other relevant initiatives
supported by bilateral and multilateral development agencies.
While promoting the effective and efficient use of existing
resources, the Global Mechanism may also enter the scene with its
own resources in order to facilitate early implementation of
initiatives identified in the action programmes.
Financial Mechanisms
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD) does not establish a centralized financial instrument to
administer funds for UNCCD-related projects and activities.
Instead, it emphasizes the need to mobilize substantial funding from
existing sources and to rationalize and strengthen their
management.
To this effect, Article 21 of the UNCCD provides for the
establishment of a Global Mechanism "to increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of existing financial mechanisms
[and]... to promote actions leading to the mobilization and
channeling of substantial financial resources... to affected
developing country Parties".
In the spirit of the UNCCD, "combating desertification" includes
activities that are part of the integrated development of land in arid,
semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas for sustainable development
which are aimed at:
prevention and/or reduction of land degradation;
rehabilitation of partly degraded land; and
reclamation of desertified land.
"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.
Action Programmes for Combating Desertification
National, sub-regional and regional action programmes provide the
framework for Convention implementation, as they represent the
central element of the strategy to combat desertification and
mitigate the effects of drought. They are formulated on the basis of
existing relevant successful plans and programmes, and are
updated through a continuing participatory process that takes into
account lessons from field action, as well as the result of research.
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. In
addition, they specify the domestic and external resources
available and those still needed. Sub-regional and regional action
programmes help to harmonize, complement and strengthen
national action programmes by promoting joint initiatives (for
example, in the case of trans-boundary ecosystems) and better
co-operation among scientific and technical institutions.
Local communities play a key role in formulating and carrying out
action programmes, since they are the ones that depend on and
understand the land. National governments have an obligation to
provide an enabling environment by removing obstacles and
providing support to action programme implementation. This
requires a strong international co-operation between developed
and developing countries.
The Global Mechanism assists in securing the financing for the
development and subsequent implementation of action
programmes. In doing so, it adopts an iterative and participatory
approach aimed at defining and establishing operational linkages
between action programmes and other relevant initiatives
supported by bilateral and multilateral development agencies.
While promoting the effective and efficient use of existing
resources, the Global Mechanism may also enter the scene with its
own resources in order to facilitate early implementation of
initiatives identified in the action programmes.
Financial Mechanisms
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD) does not establish a centralized financial instrument to
administer funds for UNCCD-related projects and activities.
Instead, it emphasizes the need to mobilize substantial funding from
existing sources and to rationalize and strengthen their
management.
To this effect, Article 21 of the UNCCD provides for the
establishment of a Global Mechanism "to increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of existing financial mechanisms
[and]... to promote actions leading to the mobilization and
channeling of substantial financial resources... to affected
developing country Parties".
