United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Introduction
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international agreement that aims to address the issue of desertification and the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa. The Convention was adopted in Paris on 17 June 1994 and entered into force in December 1996. It is the only legally binding international agreement linking environment and development issues to sustainable land management.
Background
Desertification is the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. The UNCCD was established as a direct response to the problem of land degradation, which is a critical issue affecting the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. The Convention's primary goal is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels.
Objectives and Principles
The UNCCD has a two-fold objective: to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through effective action at all levels, and to contribute to achieving sustainable development in affected areas. This is achieved through long-term integrated strategies that focus on improved productivity of land, the rehabilitation of degraded land, and the sustainable management of land and water resources.
The Convention operates on several key principles. It recognizes that the primary responsibility for combating desertification lies with those affected by it, particularly at the local level. It also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and partnership in this effort, and the need for an integrated approach that takes into account socio-economic and environmental aspects.
Implementation
The implementation of the UNCCD involves a wide range of activities, including the development and implementation of national, sub-regional, and regional action programmes. These programmes are designed to identify the factors contributing to desertification and practical measures necessary to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.
The Convention also promotes the use of traditional knowledge and practices, scientific research, technology transfer, and capacity-building efforts. It encourages the participation of local communities and non-governmental organizations in its implementation.
Institutional Framework
The UNCCD has an institutional framework that includes the Conference of the Parties (COP), the Permanent Secretariat, and the Global Mechanism. The COP is the Convention's supreme decision-making body, which meets biennially to review and evaluate the implementation of the Convention. The Permanent Secretariat provides administrative and logistical support to the COP and its subsidiary bodies. The Global Mechanism, hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is responsible for promoting the mobilization and channelling of financial resources for the implementation of the Convention.
Impact and Challenges
The UNCCD has made significant strides in raising awareness about the issue of desertification and in promoting sustainable land management practices. However, the Convention faces several challenges in its implementation. These include limited financial resources, lack of political will, and difficulties in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of its programmes.
Despite these challenges, the UNCCD continues to play a crucial role in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.