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Google Alert - desertification
IUCN
http://www.iucn.org/en/news/archive/2007/09/5_desertification.htm
5 September 2007
World Conservation Union (IUCN) informs the UN Convention to Combat Desertification that local communities need more money and involvement in decision-making to combat desertification
Combating land degradation in drylands and adaptation to climate change will only be achieved if governments, civil society and institutions partner to support community-based approaches, according to the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
At the Eighth Conference to the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, currently being held in Madrid until 14 September, IUCN made a statement, expressing the hope that the Convention would give better attention to civil society involvement.
Caterina Wolfangel, Programme Officer Drylands, IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Africa, said: “The role of local communities and NGOs needs to be strengthened through better involvement in discussions and decision-making, provision of financial resources, capacity building and improved systems of information and knowledge sharing.”
IUCN’s statement further highlighted the need to recognize the value and economic potential of drylands as resilient and productive ecosystems. It also recommended that drylands be sustainably managed, taking into account their specific characteristics and not trying to transform them into something else.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification and international collaboration to combat land degradation and poverty in drylands is at a crossroads. Since its inauguration more than 10 years ago, the Convention has been criticized for insufficient advocacy and awareness and a weak scientific basis.
Drylands, land degradation, poverty and adaptation to climate change in drylands receive low international attention, given the vast challenges pertaining in these ecosystems. Drylands cover more than 40% of the earth’s terrestrial surface and are home to more than 2 billion people, most of whom are the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world.
However, Parties of the Convention in Madrid did express their support for the draft 10-year strategic plan that puts a stronger focus on the Convention. Without financial commitment and a focused follow up, however, there is a danger that this strategy will not reach its full potential.
As in previous years, IUCN is actively engaging at this Conference of Parties. Among others. IUCN is organizing two side events, one on the role of customary decision-making in combating desertification and the one on the economic importance of dryland ecosystem services and how to integrate them into national development planning.
For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Full intervention: www.iucn.org/en/news/archive/2007/09/5_desertification.pdf
Currently at the UNCCD COP8, Spain: Caterina Wolfangel, Programme Officer Drylands, IUCN Eastern Africa, Mobile: +34 667 855 982; Email: caterina.wolfangel
iucn.org; www.iucn.org/ecosystems
In Switzerland: Sarah Halls, IUCN Media Relations Officer, Tel: +41 22 999 0127;
Fax: +41 22 999 0020; sarah.halls
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