Annan recommends more active support for desertification programme

In the face of growing concern over the exacerbation of desertification, particularly in Africa, more active support and a more timely response would be appreciated given the limited time available for the successful celebration next year of the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a recent report to the General Assembly.

In the face of growing concern over the exacerbation of desertification, particularly in Africa, more active support and a more timely response would be appreciated given the limited time available for the successful celebration next year of the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a report to the General Assembly.

It also suggested that the Assembly may wish to encourage States parties to contribute to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Special Fund in order to ensure the fulfilment of the resolution.

In the resolution adopted during its 58th session declaring 2006 as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, the Assembly called Governments to contribute to activities of the Year, which is aimed at raising public awareness to the issue with a view toward protecting the biological diversity of deserts as well of the traditional knowledge of those communities affected by desertification.

The 191 States Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) are preparing for the Year during which they will profile land degradation as a major threat to humanity, especially when intensified by climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Drylands constitute about 41 per cent of the Earth's surface and support more than 2 billion people. Between 10 and 20 per cent of drylands are degraded or unproductive.