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United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Official Name

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

Signatories

The Convention has 193 countries that are party to the Convention

Dates

The Convention was first signed in Paris, France on 14 October 1994. It came into force on 26 December 1996.

Languages

The Convention was written in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese

The aim of this Convention is to combat desertification in arid and semi-arid areas and to promote awareness of land degradation throughout member parties.

Key Points of the Treaty

Definitions for the Convention:

• Arid and Semi-Arid Areas - areas that are not Polar or Semi-Polar that have a low rainfall average
• Desertification - a form of land degradation in arid and semi-arid areas that are a result of human activities and climate change
• Drought - a natural phenomenon where the rainfall for a significant period of time is below average, affecting production and the natural environment
• Land Degradation - the reduction of productivity, be it natural or human, and quality of land in arid or semi-arid areas due to human activities, climate change, soil erosion or long-term loss of plants and vegetation

Each member of the Convention is obliged to aid each other in the battle against desertification. Where possible, when a member state is combating desertification, poverty in that area should also be considered and eradicated, particularly in Africa. Governments should create policies and strategies to deal with desertification, land degradation and drought. This includes having plans for when severe drought hits, such as accommodation, food and care for livestock as well as people displaced by climate change.

Technological advancement and research into strategies preventing and combating land degradation should be encouraged throughout the international community. Data will also be shared between countries if there is any development in this area.

Resources Used:

UNCCD - United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. 02 Dec. 2008 <http://www.unccd.int/convention/text/convention.php>.

UNCCD - United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. 5 Dec. 2008 <http://www.unccd.int/convention/ratif/doeif.php>.