{"id":3444,"date":"2019-06-04T20:48:25","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T20:48:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/english.bashariyat.org\/?p=3444"},"modified":"2019-06-04T20:50:21","modified_gmt":"2019-06-04T20:50:21","slug":"united-nations-convention-to-combat-desertification-in-countries-experiencing-serious-drought-andor-desertification-particularly-in-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english.bashariyat.org\/?p=3444","title":{"rendered":"United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prologue<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Parties to this Convention,<\/p>\n

Affirming<\/strong> that human beings in affected or threatened areas are at the center of concerns to
\ncombat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought,<\/p>\n

Reflecting<\/strong> the urgent concern of the international community, including States and
\ninternational organizations, about the adverse impacts of desertification and drought,
\nAware<\/strong> that arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas together account for a significant
\nproportion of the Earth’s land area and are the habitat and source of livelihood for a large
\nsegment of its population,<\/p>\n

Acknowledging<\/strong> that desertification and drought are problems of global dimension in that they
\naffect all regions of the world and that joint action of the international community is needed to
\ncombat desertification and\/or mitigate the effects of drought,<\/p>\n

Noting<\/strong> the high concentration of developing countries, notably the least developed countries,
\namong those experiencing serious drought and\/or desertification, and the particularly tragic
\nconsequences of these phenomena in Africa,<\/p>\n

Noting<\/strong> also that desertification is caused by complex interactions among physical, biological,
\npolitical, social, cultural and economic factors,<\/p>\n

Considering<\/strong> the impact of trade and relevant aspects of international economic relations on
\nthe ability of affected countries to combat desertification adequately,<\/p>\n

Conscious<\/strong> that sustainable economic growth, social development and poverty eradication are
\npriorities of affected developing countries, particularly in Africa, and are essential to meeting
\nsustainability objectives,<\/p>\n

Mindful<\/strong> that desertification and drought affect sustainable development through their
\ninterrelationships with important social problems such as poverty, poor health and nutrition,
\nlack of food security, and those arising from migration, displacement of persons and
\ndemographic dynamics,<\/p>\n

Appreciating<\/strong> the significance of the past efforts and experience of States and international
\norganizations in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, particularly
\nin implementing the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification which was adopted at the
\nUnited Nations Conference on Desertification in 1977,<\/p>\n

Realizing<\/strong> that, despite efforts in the past, progress in combating desertification and mitigating
\nthe effects of drought has not met expectations and that a new and more effective approach is
\nneeded at all levels within the framework of sustainable development,<\/p>\n

Recognizing<\/strong> the validity and relevance of decisions adopted at the United Nations Conference
\non Environment and Development, particularly of Agenda 21 and its chapter 12, which
\nprovide a basis for combating desertification,<\/p>\n

Reaffirming<\/strong> in this light the commitments of developed countries as contained in paragraph
\n13 of chapter 33 of Agenda 21,<\/p>\n

Recalling<\/strong> General Assembly resolution 47\/188, particularly the priority in it prescribed for
\nAfrica, and all other relevant United Nations resolutions, decisions and programmes on
\ndesertification and drought, as well as relevant declarations by African countries and those
\nfrom other regions,<\/p>\n

Reaffirming<\/strong> the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development which states, in its
\nPrinciple 2, that States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the
\nprinciples of international law, the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to
\ntheir own environmental and developmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that
\nactivities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other
\nStates or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction,<\/p>\n

Recognizing<\/strong> that national Governments play a critical role in combating desertification and
\nmitigating the effects of drought and that progress in that respect depends on local
\nimplementation of action programs in affected areas,<\/p>\n

Recognizing<\/strong> also the importance and necessity of international cooperation and partnership in
\ncombating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought,<\/p>\n

Recognizing<\/strong> further the importance of the provision to affected developing countries,
\nparticularly in Africa, of effective means, inter alia substantial financial resources, including
\nnew and additional funding, and access to technology, without which it will be difficult for
\nthem to implement fully their commitments under this Convention,<\/p>\n

Expressing<\/strong> concern over the impact of desertification and drought on affected countries in
\nCentral Asia and the Transcaucasus,<\/p>\n

Stressing<\/strong> the important role played by women in regions affected by desertification and\/or
\ndrought, particularly in rural areas of developing countries, and the importance of ensuring the
\nfull participation of both men and women at all levels in programs to combat
\ndesertification and mitigate the effects of drought,<\/p>\n

Emphasizing<\/strong> the special role of non-governmental organizations and other major groups in
\nprograms to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought,<\/p>\n

Bearing<\/strong> in mind the relationship between desertification and other environmental problems of
\nglobal dimension facing the international and national communities,<\/p>\n

Bearing<\/strong> also in mind the contribution that combating desertification can make to achieving
\nthe objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the
\nConvention on Biological Diversity and other related environmental conventions,<\/p>\n

Believing<\/strong> that strategies to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought will be
\nmost effective if they are based on sound systematic observation and rigorous scientific
\nknowledge and if they are continuously re-evaluated,<\/p>\n

Recognizing<\/strong> the urgent need to improve the effectiveness and coordination of international
\ncooperation to facilitate the implementation of national plans and priorities,<\/p>\n

Determined<\/strong> to take appropriate action in combating desertification and mitigating the effects
\nof drought for the benefit of present and future generations,
\nHave agreed as follows:<\/p>\n

PART I-INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Article 1-Use of terms<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nFor the purposes of this Convention:
\na. “desertification” means land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid
\nareas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human
\nactivities;
\nb. “combating desertification” includes activities which are part of the integrated
\ndevelopment of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas for sustainable
\ndevelopment which are aimed at:<\/p>\n

i. prevention and\/or reduction of land degradation;
\nii. rehabilitation of partly degraded land; and
\niii. reclamation of desertified land;<\/p>\n

c. “drought” means the naturally occurring phenomenon that exists when
\nprecipitation has been significantly below normal recorded levels, causing serious
\nhydrological imbalances that adversely affect land resource production systems;
\nd. “mitigating the effects of drought” means activities related to the prediction of
\ndrought and intended to reduce the vulnerability of society and natural systems to
\ndrought as it relates to combating desertification;
\ne. “land” means the terrestrial bio-productive system that comprises soil,
\nvegetation, other biota, and the ecological and hydrological processes that operate
\nwithin the system;
\nf. “land degradation” means reduction or loss, in arid, semi-arid and dry subhumid areas, of the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rainfed
\ncropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture, forest and woodlands resulting from
\nland uses or from a process or combination of processes, including processes arising
\nfrom human activities and habitation patterns, such as:<\/p>\n

i. soil erosion caused by wind and\/or water;
\nii. deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or economic
\nproperties of soil; and
\niii. long-term loss of natural vegetation;<\/p>\n

g. “arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas” means areas, other than polar and
\nsub-polar regions, in which the ratio of annual precipitation to potential
\nevapotranspiration falls within the range from 0.05 to 0.65;
\nh. “affected areas” means arid, semi-arid and\/or dry sub-humid areas affected or
\nthreatened by desertification;
\ni. “affected countries” means countries whose lands include, in whole or in part,
\naffected areas;
\nj. “regional economic integration organization” means an organization
\nconstituted by sovereign States of a given region which has competence in respect of
\nmatters governed by this Convention and has been duly authorized, in accordance with
\nits internal procedures, to sign, ratify, accept, approve or accede to this Convention;
\nk. “developed country Parties” means developed country Parties and regional
\neconomic integration organizations constituted by developed countries.<\/p>\n

Article 2-Objective<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The objective of this Convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the
\neffects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and\/or desertification,
\nparticularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international
\ncooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach
\nwhich is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of
\nsustainable development in affected areas.
\n2. Achieving this objective will involve long-term integrated strategies that focus
\nsimultaneously, in affected areas, on improved productivity of land, and the
\nrehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources,
\nleading to improved living conditions, in particular at the community level.<\/p>\n

Article 3-Principles<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nIn order to achieve the objective of this Convention and to implement its provisions,
\nthe Parties shall be guided, inter alia, by the following:
\na. the Parties should ensure that decisions on the design and implementation of
\nprograms to combat desertification and\/or mitigate the effects of drought are taken
\nwith the participation of populations and local communities and that an enabling
\nenvironment is created at higher levels to facilitate action at national and local levels;
\nb. the Parties should, in a spirit of international solidarity and partnership,
\nimprove cooperation and coordination at subregional, regional and international levels,
\nand better focus financial, human, organizational and technical resources where they
\nare needed;
\nc. the Parties should develop, in a spirit of partnership, cooperation among all
\nlevels of government, communities, non-governmental organizations and landholders
\nto establish a better understanding of the nature and value of land and scarce water
\nresources in affected areas and to work towards their sustainable use; and
\nd. the Parties should take into full consideration the special needs and
\ncircumstances of affected developing country Parties, particularly the least developed
\namong them.<\/p>\n

PART II-GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Article 4-General obligations<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Parties shall implement their obligations under this Convention,
\nindividually or jointly, either through existing or prospective bilateral and multilateral
\narrangements or a combination thereof, as appropriate, emphasizing the need to
\ncoordinate efforts and develop a coherent long-term strategy at all levels.
\n2. In pursuing the objective of this Convention, the Parties shall:
\na. adopt an integrated approach addressing the physical, biological and socioeconomic aspects of the processes of desertification and drought;
\nb. give due attention, within the relevant international and regional bodies, to the
\nsituation of affected developing country Parties with regard to international trade,
\nmarketing arrangements and debt with a view to establishing an enabling international
\neconomic environment conducive to the promotion of sustainable development;
\nc. integrate strategies for poverty eradication into efforts to combat desertification
\nand mitigate the effects of drought;
\nd. promote cooperation among affected country Parties in the fields of
\nenvironmental protection and the conservation of land and water resources, as they
\nrelate to desertification and drought;
\ne. strengthen subregional, regional and international cooperation;
\nf. cooperate within relevant intergovernmental organizations;
\ng. determine institutional mechanisms, if appropriate, keeping in mind the need to
\navoid duplication; and
\nh. promote the use of existing bilateral and multilateral financial mechanisms
\nand arrangements that mobilize and channel substantial financial resources to affected
\ndeveloping country Parties in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
\ndrought.
\n3. Affected developing country Parties are eligible for assistance in the
\nimplementation of the Convention.<\/p>\n

Article 5-Obligations of affected country Parties<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nIn addition to their obligations pursuant to article 4, affected country Parties undertake
\nto:
\na. give due priority to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
\ndrought, and allocate adequate resources in accordance with their circumstances and
\ncapabilities;
\nb. establish strategies and priorities, within the framework of sustainable
\ndevelopment plans and\/or policies, to combat desertification and mitigate the effects
\nof drought;
\nc. address the underlying causes of desertification and pay special attention to the
\nsocio- economic factors contributing to desertification processes;
\nd. promote awareness and facilitate the participation of local populations,
\nparticularly women and youth, with the support of non-governmental organizations, in
\nefforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought; and
\ne. provide an enabling environment by strengthening, as appropriate, relevant
\nexisting legislation and, where they do not exist, enacting new laws and establishing
\nlong-term policies and action programs.<\/p>\n

Article 6-Obligations of developed country Parties<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nIn addition to their general obligations pursuant to article 4, developed country Parties
\nundertake to:
\na. actively support, as agreed, individually or jointly, the efforts of affected
\ndeveloping country Parties, particularly those in Africa, and the least developed
\ncountries, to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;
\nb. provide substantial financial resources and other forms of support to assist
\naffected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa, effectively to develop
\nand implement their own long-term plans and strategies to combat desertification and
\nmitigate the effects of drought;
\nc. promote the mobilization of new and additional funding pursuant to article 20,
\nparagraph 2 (b);
\nd. encourage the mobilization of funding from the private sector and other nongovernmental sources; and
\ne. promote and facilitate access by affected country Parties, particularly affected
\ndeveloping country Parties, to appropriate technology, knowledge and know-how.<\/p>\n

Article 7 -Priority for Africa<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nIn implementing this Convention, the Parties shall give priority to affected African
\ncountry Parties, in the light of the particular situation prevailing in that region, while
\nnot neglecting affected developing country Parties in other regions.
\nArticle 8-Relationship with other conventions
\n1. The Parties shall encourage the coordination of activities carried out under this
\nConvention and, if they are Parties to them, under other relevant international
\nagreements, particularly the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
\nChange and the Convention on Biological Diversity, in order to derive maximum
\nbenefit from activities under each agreement while avoiding duplication of effort. The
\nParties shall encourage the conduct of joint programmes, particularly in the fields of
\nresearch, training, systematic observation and information collection and exchange, to
\nthe extent that such activities may contribute to achieving the objectives of the
\nagreements concerned.
\n2. The provisions of this Convention shall not affect the rights and obligations of
\nany Party deriving from a bilateral, regional or international agreement into which it
\nhas entered prior to the entry into force of this Convention for it.<\/p>\n

Part III-ACTION PROGRAMS, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND SUPPORTING MEASURES<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Section 1: Action programs<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Article 9 -Basic approach<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. In carrying out their obligations pursuant to article 5, affected developing
\ncountry Parties and any other affected country Party in the framework of its regional
\nimplementation annex or, otherwise, that has notified the Permanent Secretariat in
\nwriting of its intention to prepare a national action program, shall, as appropriate,
\nprepare, make public and implement national action programs, utilizing and
\nbuilding, to the extent possible, on existing relevant successful plans and programs,
\nand subregional and regional action programs, as the central element of the strategy
\nto combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. Such programs shall
\nbe updated through a continuing participatory process on the basis of lessons from
\nfield action, as well as the results of research. The preparation of national action
\nprogrammes shall be closely interlinked with other efforts to formulate national
\npolicies for sustainable development.
\n2. In the provision by developed country Parties of different forms of assistance
\nunder the terms of article 6, priority shall be given to supporting, as agreed, national,
\nsubregional and regional action programs of affected developing country Parties,
\nparticularly those in Africa, either directly or through relevant multilateral
\norganizations or both.
\n3. The Parties shall encourage organs, funds and programs of the United
\nNations system and other relevant intergovernmental organizations, academic
\ninstitutions, the scientific community and non-governmental organizations in a
\nposition to cooperate, in accordance with their mandates and capabilities, to support
\nthe elaboration, implementation and follow-up of action programs.<\/p>\n

Article 10 -National action programs<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The purpose of national action programs is to identify the factors
\ncontributing to desertification and practical measures necessary to combat
\ndesertification and mitigate the effects of drought.
\n2. National action programs shall specify the respective roles of government,
\nlocal communities and land users and the resources available and needed. They shall,
\ninter alia:
\na. incorporate long-term strategies to combat desertification and mitigate the
\neffects of drought, emphasize implementation and be integrated with national policies
\nfor sustainable development;
\nb. allow for modifications to be made in response to changing circumstances and
\nbe sufficiently flexible at the local level to cope with different socio-economic,
\nbiological and geo-physical conditions;
\nc. give particular attention to the implementation of preventive measures for
\nlands that are not yet degraded or which are only slightly degraded;
\nd. enhance national climatological, meteorological and hydrological capabilities
\nand the means to provide for drought early warning;
\ne. promote policies and strengthen institutional frameworks which develop
\ncooperation and coordination, in a spirit of partnership, between the donor community,
\ngovernments at all levels, local populations and community groups, and facilitate
\naccess by local populations to appropriate information and technology;
\nf. provide for effective participation at the local, national and regional levels of
\nnon- governmental organizations and local populations, both women and men,
\nparticularly resource users, including farmers and pastoralists and their representative
\norganizations, in policy planning, decision-making, and implementation and review of
\nnational action programs; and
\ng. require regular review of, and progress reports on, their implementation.
\n3. National action programs may include, inter alia, some or all of the
\nfollowing measures to prepare for and mitigate the effects of drought:
\na. establishment and\/or strengthening, as appropriate, of early warning systems,
\nincluding local and national facilities and joint systems at the subregional and regional
\nlevels, and mechanisms for assisting environmentally displaced persons;
\nb. strengthening of drought preparedness and management, including drought
\ncontingency plans at the local, national, subregional and regional levels, which take
\ninto consideration seasonal to inter annual climate predictions;
\nc. establishment and\/or strengthening, as appropriate, of food security systems,
\nincluding storage and marketing facilities, particularly in rural areas;
\nd. establishment of alternative livelihood projects that could provide incomes in
\ndrought prone areas; and
\ne. development of sustainable irrigation programs for both crops and
\nlivestock.
\n4. Taking into account the circumstances and requirements specific to each
\naffected country Party, national action programs include, as appropriate, inter alia,
\nmeasures in some or all of the following priority fields as they relate to combating
\ndesertification and mitigating the effects of drought in affected areas and to their
\npopulations: promotion of alternative livelihoods and improvement of national
\neconomic environments with a view to strengthening programs aimed at the
\neradication of poverty and at ensuring food security; demographic dynamics;
\nsustainable management of natural resources; sustainable agricultural practices;
\ndevelopment and efficient use of various energy sources; institutional and legal
\nframeworks; strengthening of capabilities for assessment and systematic observation,
\nincluding hydrological and meteorological services, and capacity building, education
\nand public awareness.<\/p>\n

Article 11-Subregional and regional action programs<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nAffected country Parties shall consult and cooperate to prepare, as appropriate, in
\naccordance with relevant regional implementation annexes, subregional and\/or
\nregional action programs to harmonize, complement and increase the efficiency of
\nnational programs. The provisions of article 10 shall apply mutatis mutandis to
\nsubregional and regional programs. Such cooperation may include agreed joint
\nprograms for the sustainable management of transboundary natural resources,
\nscientific and technical cooperation, and strengthening of relevant institutions.<\/p>\n

Article 12-International cooperation<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nAffected country Parties, in collaboration with other Parties and the international
\ncommunity, should cooperate to ensure the promotion of an enabling international
\nenvironment in the implementation of the Convention. Such cooperation should also
\ncover fields of technology transfer as well as scientific research and development,
\ninformation collection and dissemination and financial resources.<\/p>\n

Article 13-Support for the elaboration and implementation of action programs<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Measures to support action programs pursuant to article 9 include, inter alia:
\na. financial cooperation to provide predictability for action programs, allowing
\nfor necessary long-term planning;
\nb. elaboration and use of cooperation mechanisms which better enable support at
\nthe local level, including action through non-governmental organizations, in order to
\npromote the replicability of successful pilot program activities where relevant;
\nc. increased flexibility in project design, funding and implementation in keeping
\nwith the experimental, iterative approach indicated for participatory action at the local
\ncommunity level; and
\nd. as appropriate, administrative and budgetary procedures that increase the
\nefficiency of cooperation and of support programs.
\n2. In providing such support to affected developing country Parties, priority shall
\nbe given to African country Parties and to least developed country Parties.<\/p>\n

Article 14-Coordination in the elaboration and implementation of action programs<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Parties shall work closely together, directly and through relevant
\nintergovernmental organizations, in the elaboration and implementation of action
\nprograms.
\n2. The Parties shall develop operational mechanisms, particularly at the national
\nand field levels, to ensure the fullest possible coordination among developed country
\nParties, developing country Parties and relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, in order to avoid duplication, harmonize interventions
\nand approaches, and maximize the impact of assistance. In affected developing
\ncountry Parties, priority will be given to coordinating activities related to international
\ncooperation in order to maximize the efficient use of resources, to ensure responsive
\nassistance, and to facilitate the implementation of national action programmes and
\npriorities under this Convention.<\/p>\n

Article 15 -Regional implementation annexes<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nElements for incorporation in action programs shall be selected and adapted to the
\nsocio- economic, geographical and climatic factors applicable to affected country
\nParties or regions, as well as to their level of development. Guidelines for the
\npreparation of action programs and their exact focus and content for particular
\nsubregions and regions are set out in the regional implementation annexes.<\/p>\n

Section 2: Scientific and technical cooperation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Article 16 -Information collection, analysis and exchange<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nThe Parties agree, according to their respective capabilities, to integrate and coordinate
\nthe collection, analysis and exchange of relevant short term and long term data and
\ninformation to ensure systematic observation of land degradation in affected areas and
\nto understand better and assess the processes and effects of drought and
\ndesertification. This would help accomplish, inter alia, early warning and advance
\nplanning for periods of adverse climatic variation in a form suited for practical
\napplication by users at all levels, including especially local populations. To this end,
\nthey shall, as appropriate:
\na. facilitate and strengthen the functioning of the global network of institutions
\nand facilities for the collection, analysis and exchange of information, as well as for
\nsystematic observation at all levels, which shall, inter alia:<\/p>\n

i. aim to use compatible standards and systems;
\nii. encompass relevant data and stations, including in remote areas;
\niii. use and disseminate modern technology for data collection,
\ntransmission and assessment on land degradation; and
\niv. link national, subregional and regional data and information centers
\nmore closely with global information sources;<\/p>\n

b. ensure that the collection, analysis and exchange of information address the
\nneeds of local communities and those of decision makers, with a view to resolving
\nspecific problems, and that local communities are involved in these activities;
\nc. support and further develop bilateral and multilateral programs and projects
\naimed at defining, conducting, assessing and financing the collection, analysis and
\nexchange of data and information, including, inter alia, integrated sets of physical,
\nbiological, social and economic indicators;
\nd. make full use of the expertise of competent intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, particularly to disseminate relevant information and
\nexperiences among target groups in different regions;
\ne. give full weight to the collection, analysis and exchange of socio-economic
\ndata, and their integration with physical and biological data;
\nf. exchange and make fully, openly and promptly available information from all
\npublicly available sources relevant to combating desertification and mitigating the
\neffects of drought; and
\ng. subject to their respective national legislation and\/or policies, exchange
\ninformation on local and traditional knowledge, ensuring adequate protection for it
\nand providing appropriate return from the benefits derived from it, on an equitable
\nbasis and on mutually agreed terms, to the local populations concerned.<\/p>\n

Article 17 -Research and development<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Parties undertake, according to their respective capabilities, to promote
\ntechnical and scientific cooperation in the fields of combating desertification and
\nmitigating the effects of drought through appropriate national, subregional, regional
\nand international institutions. To this end, they shall support research activities that:
\na. contribute to increased knowledge of the processes leading to desertification
\nand drought and the impact of, and distinction between, causal factors, both natural
\nand human, with a view to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of
\ndrought, and achieving improved productivity as well as sustainable use and
\nmanagement of resources;
\nb. respond to well defined objectives, address the specific needs of local
\npopulations and lead to the identification and implementation of solutions that
\nimprove the living standards of people in affected areas;
\nc. protect, integrate, enhance and validate traditional and local knowledge, know how and practices, ensuring, subject to their respective national legislation and\/or
\npolicies, that the owners of that knowledge will directly benefit on an equitable basis
\nand on mutually agreed terms from any commercial utilization of it or from any
\ntechnological development derived from that knowledge;
\nd. develop and strengthen national, subregional and regional research capabilities
\nin affected developing country Parties, particularly in Africa, including the
\ndevelopment of local skills and the strengthening of appropriate capacities, especially
\nin countries with a weak research base, giving particular attention to multidisciplinary
\nand participative socio- economic research;
\ne. take into account, where relevant, the relationship between poverty, migration
\ncaused by environmental factors, and desertification;
\nf. promote the conduct of joint research programs between national,
\nsubregional, regional and international research organizations, in both the public and
\nprivate sectors, for the development of improved, affordable and accessible
\ntechnologies for sustainable development through effective participation of local
\npopulations and communities; and
\ng. enhance the availability of water resources in affected areas, by means of,
\ninter alia, cloud-seeding.
\n2. Research priorities for particular regions and subregions, reflecting different
\nlocal conditions, should be included in action programs. The Conference of the
\nParties shall review research priorities periodically on the advice of the Committee on
\nScience and Technology.<\/p>\n

Article 18 -Transfer, acquisition, adaptation and development of technology<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Parties undertake, as mutually agreed and in accordance with their
\nrespective national legislation and\/or policies, to promote, finance and\/or facilitate the
\nfinancing of the transfer, acquisition, adaptation and development of environmentally
\nsound, economically viable and socially acceptable technologies relevant to combating
\ndesertification and\/or mitigating the effects of drought, with a view to contributing to
\nthe achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. Such cooperation shall
\nbe conducted bilaterally or multilaterally, as appropriate, making full use of the
\nexpertise of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The Parties shall,
\nin particular:
\na. fully utilize relevant existing national, subregional, regional and international
\ninformation systems and clearing-houses for the dissemination of information on
\navailable technologies, their sources, their environmental risks and the broad terms
\nunder which they may be acquired;
\nb. facilitate access, in particular by affected developing country Parties, on
\nfavorable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually
\nagreed, taking into account the need to protect intellectual property rights, to
\ntechnologies most suitable to practical application for specific needs of local
\npopulations, paying special attention to the social, cultural, economic and
\nenvironmental impact of such technology;
\nc. facilitate technology cooperation among affected country Parties through
\nfinancial assistance or other appropriate means;
\nd. extend technology cooperation with affected developing country Parties,
\nincluding, where relevant, joint ventures, especially to sectors which foster alternative
\nlivelihoods; and
\ne. take appropriate measures to create domestic market conditions and
\nincentives, fiscal or otherwise, conducive to the development, transfer, acquisition and
\nadaptation of suitable technology, knowledge, know-how and practices, including
\nmeasures to ensure adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights.
\n2. The Parties shall, according to their respective capabilities, and subject to their
\nrespective national legislation and\/or policies, protect, promote and use in particular
\nrelevant traditional and local technology, knowledge, know-how and practices and, to
\nthat end, they undertake to:
\na. make inventories of such technology, knowledge, know-how and practices
\nand their potential uses with the participation of local populations, and disseminate
\nsuch information, where appropriate, in cooperation with relevant intergovernmental
\nand non-governmental organizations;
\nb. ensure that such technology, knowledge, know-how and practices are
\nadequately protected and that local populations benefit directly, on an equitable basis
\nand as mutually agreed, from any commercial utilization of them or from any
\ntechnological development derived therefrom;
\nc. encourage and actively support the improvement and dissemination of such
\ntechnology, knowledge, know-how and practices or of the development of new
\ntechnology based on them; and
\nd. facilitate, as appropriate, the adaptation of such technology, knowledge,
\nknow-how and practices to wide use and integrate them with modern technology, as
\nappropriate.<\/p>\n

Section 3: Supporting measures<\/strong><\/span>
\nArticle 19-Capacity building, education and public awareness<\/strong> <\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Parties recognize the significance of capacity building — that is to say,
\ninstitution building, training and development of relevant local and national capacities
\nin efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. They shall
\npromote, as appropriate, capacity- building:
\na. through the full participation at all levels of local people, particularly at the
\nlocal level, especially women and youth, with the cooperation of non-governmental
\nand local organizations;
\nb. by strengthening training and research capacity at the national level in the
\nfield of desertification and drought;
\nc. by establishing and\/or strengthening support and extension services to
\ndisseminate relevant technology methods and techniques more effectively, and by
\ntraining field agents and members of rural organizations in participatory approaches
\nfor the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources;
\nd. by fostering the use and dissemination of the knowledge, know-how and
\npractices of local people in technical cooperation programmes, wherever possible;
\ne. by adapting, where necessary, relevant environmentally sound technology and
\ntraditional methods of agriculture and pastoralism to modern socio-economic
\nconditions;
\nf. by providing appropriate training and technology in the use of alternative
\nenergy sources, particularly renewable energy resources, aimed particularly at
\nreducing dependence on wood for fuel;
\ng. through cooperation, as mutually agreed, to strengthen the capacity of affected
\ndeveloping country Parties to develop and implement programs in the field of
\ncollection, analysis and exchange of information pursuant to article 16;
\nh. through innovative ways of promoting alternative livelihoods, including
\ntraining in new skills;
\ni. by training of decision makers, managers, and personnel who are responsible
\nfor the collection and analysis of data for the dissemination and use of early warning
\ninformation on drought conditions and for food production;
\nj. through more effective operation of existing national institutions and legal
\nframeworks and, where necessary, creation of new ones, along with strengthening of
\nstrategic planning and management; and
\nk. by means of exchange visitor programs to enhance capacity building in
\naffected country Parties through a long-term, interactive process of learning and study.
\n2. Affected developing country Parties shall conduct, in cooperation with other
\nParties and competent intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, as
\nappropriate, an interdisciplinary review of available capacity and facilities at the local
\nand national levels, and the potential for strengthening them.
\n3. The Parties shall cooperate with each other and through competent
\nintergovernmental organizations, as well as with non-governmental organizations, in
\nundertaking and supporting public awareness and educational programmes in both
\naffected and, where relevant, unaffected country Parties to promote understanding of
\nthe causes and effects of desertification and drought and of the importance of meeting
\nthe objective of this Convention. To that end, they shall:
\na. organize awareness campaigns for the general public;
\nb. promote, on a permanent basis, access by the public to relevant information,
\nand wide public participation in education and awareness activities;
\nc. encourage the establishment of associations that contribute to public
\nawareness;
\nd. develop and exchange educational and public awareness material, where
\npossible in local languages, exchange and second experts to train personnel of affected
\ndeveloping country Parties in carrying out relevant education and awareness
\nprograms, and fully utilize relevant educational material available in competent
\ninternational bodies;
\ne. assess educational needs in affected areas, elaborate appropriate school
\ncurricula and expand, as needed, educational and adult literacy programs and
\nopportunities for all, in particular for girls and women, on the identification,
\nconservation and sustainable use and management of the natural resources of affected
\nareas; and
\nf. develop interdisciplinary participatory programs integrating desertification
\nand drought awareness into educational systems and in non-formal, adult, distance and
\npractical educational programs.
\n4. The Conference of the Parties shall establish and\/or strengthen networks of
\nregional education and training centers to combat desertification and mitigate the
\neffects of drought. These networks shall be coordinated by an institution created or
\ndesignated for that purpose, in order to train scientific, technical and management
\npersonnel and to strengthen existing institutions responsible for education and training
\nin affected country Parties, where appropriate, with a view to harmonizing
\nprograms and to organizing exchanges of experience among them. These networks
\nshall cooperate closely with relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental
\norganizations to avoid duplication of effort.<\/p>\n

Article 20 -Financial resources<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Given the central importance of financing to the achievement of the objective
\nof the Convention, the Parties, taking into account their capabilities, shall make every
\neffort to ensure that adequate financial resources are available for programs to
\ncombat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.
\n2. In this connection, developed country Parties, while giving priority to affected
\nAfrican country Parties without neglecting affected developing country Parties in
\nother regions, in accordance with article 7, undertake to:
\na. mobilize substantial financial resources, including grants and concessional
\nloans, in order to support the implementation of programs to combat desertification
\nand mitigate the effects of drought;
\nb. promote the mobilization of adequate, timely and predictable financial
\nresources, including new and additional funding from the Global Environment Facility
\nof the agreed incremental costs of those activities concerning desertification that relate
\nto its four focal areas, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Instrument
\nestablishing the Global Environment Facility;
\nc. facilitate through international cooperation the transfer of technology,
\nknowledge and know-how; and
\nd. explore, in cooperation with affected developing country Parties, innovative
\nmethods and incentives for mobilizing and channeling resources, including those of
\nfoundations, non- governmental organizations and other private sector entities,
\nparticularly debt swaps and other innovative means which increase financing by
\nreducing the external debt burden of affected developing country Parties, particularly
\nthose in Africa.
\n3. Affected developing country Parties, taking into account their capabilities,
\nundertake to mobilize adequate financial resources for the implementation of their
\nnational action programs.
\n4. In mobilizing financial resources, the Parties shall seek full use and continued
\nqualitative improvement of all national, bilateral and multilateral funding sources and
\nmechanisms, using consortia, joint programs and parallel financing, and shall seek
\nto involve private sector funding sources and mechanisms, including those of nongovernmental organizations. To this end, the Parties shall fully utilize the operational
\nmechanisms developed pursuant to article 14.
\n5. In order to mobilize the financial resources necessary for affected developing
\ncountry Parties to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought, the
\nParties shall:
\na. rationalize and strengthen the management of resources already allocated for
\ncombating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought by using them more
\neffectively and efficiently, assessing their successes and shortcomings, removing
\nhindrances to their effective use and, where necessary, reorienting programs in light
\nof the integrated long- term approach adopted pursuant to this Convention;
\nb. give due priority and attention within the governing bodies of multilateral
\nfinancial institutions, facilities and funds, including regional development banks and
\nfunds, to supporting affected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa,
\nin activities which advance implementation of the Convention, notably action
\nprograms they undertake in the framework of regional implementation annexes;
\nand
\nc. examine ways in which regional and subregional cooperation can be
\nstrengthened to support efforts undertaken at the national level.
\n6. Other Parties are encouraged to provide, on a voluntary basis, knowledge,
\nknow-how and techniques related to desertification and\/or financial resources to
\naffected developing country Parties.
\n7. The full implementation by affected developing country Parties, particularly
\nthose in Africa, of their obligations under the Convention will be greatly assisted by
\nthe fulfilment by developed country Parties of their obligations under the Convention,
\nincluding in particular those regarding financial resources and transfer of technology.
\nIn fulfilling their obligations, developed country Parties should take fully into account
\nthat economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first priorities of
\naffected developing country Parties, particularly those in Africa.<\/p>\n

Article 21 -Financial mechanisms<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Conference of the Parties shall promote the availability of financial
\nmechanisms and shall encourage such mechanisms to seek to maximize the
\navailability of funding for affected developing country Parties, particularly those in
\nAfrica, to implement the Convention. To this end, the Conference of the Parties shall
\nconsider for adoption inter alia approaches and policies that:
\na. facilitate the provision of necessary funding at the national, subregional,
\nregional and global levels for activities pursuant to relevant provisions of the
\nConvention;
\nb. promote multiple-source funding approaches, mechanisms and arrangements
\nand their assessment, consistent with article 20;
\nc. provide on a regular basis, to interested Parties and relevant intergovernmental
\nand non- governmental organizations, information on available sources of funds and
\non funding patterns in order to facilitate coordination among them;
\nd. facilitate the establishment, as appropriate, of mechanisms, such as national
\ndesertification funds, including those involving the participation of non-governmental
\norganizations, to channel financial resources rapidly and efficiently to the local level
\nin affected developing country Parties; and
\ne. strengthen existing funds and financial mechanisms at the subregional and
\nregional levels, particularly in Africa, to support more effectively the implementation
\nof the Convention.
\n2. The Conference of the Parties shall also encourage the provision, through
\nvarious mechanisms within the United Nations system and through multilateral
\nfinancial institutions, of support at the national, subregional and regional levels to
\nactivities that enable developing country Parties to meet their obligations under the
\nConvention.
\n3. Affected developing country Parties shall utilize, and where necessary,
\nestablish and\/or strengthen, national coordinating mechanisms, integrated in national
\ndevelopment programs, that would ensure the efficient use of all available financial
\nresources. They shall also utilize participatory processes involving non-governmental
\norganizations, local groups and the private sector, in raising funds, in elaborating as
\nwell as implementing programs and in assuring access to funding by groups at the
\nlocal level. These actions can be enhanced by improved coordination and flexible
\nprogramming on the part of those providing assistance.
\n4. In order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of existing financial
\nmechanisms, a Global Mechanism to promote actions leading to the mobilization and
\nchanneling of substantial financial resources, including for the transfer of technology,
\non a grant basis, and\/or on concessional or other terms, to affected developing country
\nParties, is hereby established. This Global Mechanism shall function under the
\nauthority and guidance of the Conference of the Parties and be accountable to it.
\n5. The Conference of the Parties shall identify, at its first ordinary session, an
\norganization to house the Global Mechanism. The Conference of the Parties and the
\norganization it has identified shall agree upon modalities for this Global Mechanism to
\nensure inter alia that such Mechanism:
\na. identifies and draws up an inventory of relevant bilateral and multilateral
\ncooperation programs that are available to implement the Convention;
\nb. provides advice, on request, to Parties on innovative methods of financing and
\nsources of financial assistance and on improving the coordination of cooperation
\nactivities at the national level;
\nc. provides interested Parties and relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations with information on available sources of funds and on
\nfunding patterns in order to facilitate coordination among them; and
\nd. reports to the Conference of the Parties, beginning at its second ordinary
\nsession, on its activities.
\n6. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its first session, make appropriate
\narrangements with the organization it has identified to house the Global Mechanism
\nfor the administrative operations of such Mechanism, drawing to the extent possible
\non existing budgetary and human resources.
\n7. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its third ordinary session, review the
\npolicies, operational modalities and activities of the Global Mechanism accountable to
\nit pursuant to paragraph 4, taking into account the provisions of article 7. On the basis
\nof this review, it shall consider and take appropriate action.<\/p>\n

PART IV-INSTITUTIONS<\/strong> <\/span><\/h4>\n

Article 22 -Conference of the Parties<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. A Conference of the Parties is hereby established.
\n2. The Conference of the Parties is the supreme body of the Convention. It shall
\nmake, within its mandate, the decisions necessary to promote its effective
\nimplementation. In particular, it shall:
\na. regularly review the implementation of the Convention and the functioning of
\nits institutional arrangements in the light of the experience gained at the national,
\nsubregional, regional and international levels and on the basis of the evolution of
\nscientific and technological knowledge;
\nb. promote and facilitate the exchange of information on measures adopted by
\nthe Parties, and determine the form and timetable for transmitting the information to
\nbe submitted pursuant to article 26, review the reports and make recommendations on
\nthem;
\nc. establish such subsidiary bodies as are deemed necessary for the
\nimplementation of the Convention;
\nd. review reports submitted by its subsidiary bodies and provide guidance to
\nthem;
\ne. agree upon and adopt, by consensus, rules of procedure and financial rules for
\nitself and any subsidiary bodies;
\nf. adopt amendments to the Convention pursuant to articles 30 and 31;
\ng. approve a program and budget for its activities, including those of its
\nsubsidiary bodies, and undertake necessary arrangements for their financing;
\nh. as appropriate, seek the cooperation of, and utilize the services of and
\ninformation provided by, competent bodies or agencies, whether national or
\ninternational, intergovernmental or non-governmental;
\ni. promote and strengthen the relationship with other relevant conventions while
\navoiding duplication of effort; and
\nj. exercise such other functions as may be necessary for the achievement of the
\nobjective of the Convention.
\n3. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its first session, adopt its own rules of
\nprocedure, by consensus, which shall include decision-making procedures for matters
\nnot already covered by decision-making procedures stipulated in the Convention. Such
\nprocedures may include specified majorities required for the adoption of particular
\ndecisions.
\n4. The first session of the Conference of the Parties shall be convened by the
\ninterim secretariat referred to in article 35 and shall take place not later than one year
\nafter the date of entry into force of the Convention. Unless otherwise decided by the
\nConference of the Parties, the second, third and fourth ordinary sessions shall be held
\nyearly, and thereafter, ordinary sessions shall be held every two years.
\n5. Extraordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties shall be held at such
\nother times as may be decided either by the Conference of the Parties in ordinary
\nsession or at the written request of any Party, provided that, within three months of the
\nrequest being communicated to the Parties by the Permanent Secretariat, it is
\nsupported by at least one third of the Parties.
\n6. At each ordinary session, the Conference of the Parties shall elect a Bureau.
\nThe structure and functions of the Bureau shall be determined in the rules of
\nprocedure. In appointing the Bureau, due regard shall be paid to the need to ensure
\nequitable geographical distribution and adequate representation of affected country
\nParties, particularly those in Africa.
\n7. The United Nations, its specialized agencies and any State member thereof or
\nobservers thereto not Party to the Convention, may be represented at sessions of the
\nConference of the Parties as observers. Any body or agency, whether national or
\ninternational, governmental or non-governmental, which is qualified in matters
\ncovered by the Convention, and which has informed the Permanent Secretariat of its
\nwish to be represented at a session of the Conference of the Parties as an observer,
\nmay be so admitted unless at least one third of the Parties present object. The
\nadmission and participation of observers shall be subject to the rules of procedure
\nadopted by the Conference of the Parties.
\n8. The Conference of the Parties may request competent national and
\ninternational organizations which have relevant expertise to provide it with
\ninformation relevant to article 16, paragraph (g), article 17, paragraph 1 (c) and article
\n18, paragraph 2(b).<\/p>\n

Article 23 -Permanent Secretariat<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. A Permanent Secretariat is hereby established.
\n2. The functions of the Permanent Secretariat shall be:
\na. to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties and its
\nsubsidiary bodies established under the Convention and to provide them with services
\nas required;
\nb. to compile and transmit reports submitted to it;
\nc. to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request,
\nparticularly those in Africa, in the compilation and communication of information
\nrequired under the Convention;
\nd. to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international
\nbodies and conventions;
\ne. to enter, under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties, into such
\nadministrative and contractual arrangements as may be required for the effective
\ndischarge of its functions;
\nf. to prepare reports on the execution of its functions under this Convention and
\npresent them to the Conference of the Parties; and
\ng. to perform such other secretariat functions as may be determined by the
\nConference of the Parties.
\n3. The Conference of the Parties, at its first session, shall designate a Permanent
\nSecretariat and make arrangements for its functioning.<\/p>\n

Article 24 -Committee on Science and Technology<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. A Committee on Science and Technology is hereby established as a subsidiary
\nbody of the Conference of the Parties to provide it with information and advice on
\nscientific and technological matters relating to combating desertification and
\nmitigating the effects of drought. The Committee shall meet in conjunction with the
\nordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties and shall be multidisciplinary and
\nopen to the participation of all Parties. It shall be composed of government
\nrepresentatives competent in the relevant fields of expertise. The Conference of the
\nParties shall decide, at its first session, on the terms of reference of the Committee.
\n2. The Conference of the Parties shall establish and maintain a roster of
\nindependent experts with expertise and experience in the relevant fields. The roster
\nshall be based on nominations received in writing from the Parties, taking into account
\nthe need for a multidisciplinary approach and broad geographical representation.
\n3. The Conference of the Parties may, as necessary, appoint ad hoc panels to
\nprovide it, through the Committee, with information and advice on specific issues
\nregarding the state of the art in fields of science and technology relevant to combating
\ndesertification and mitigating the effects of drought. These panels shall be composed
\nof experts whose names are taken from the roster, taking into account the need for a
\nmultidisciplinary approach and broad geographical representation. These experts shall
\nhave scientific backgrounds and field experience and shall be appointed by the
\nConference of the Parties on the recommendation of the Committee. The Conference
\nof the Parties shall decide on the terms of reference and the modalities of work of
\nthese panels.<\/p>\n

Article 25 -Networking of institutions, agencies and bodies<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Committee on Science and Technology shall, under the supervision of the
\nConference of the Parties, make provision for the undertaking of a survey and
\nevaluation of the relevant existing networks, institutions, agencies and bodies willing
\nto become units of a network. Such a network shall support the implementation of the
\nConvention.
\n2. On the basis of the results of the survey and evaluation referred to in
\nparagraph 1, the Committee on Science and Technology shall make recommendations
\nto the Conference of the Parties on ways and means to facilitate and strengthen
\nnetworking of the units at the local, national and other levels, with a view to ensuring
\nthat the thematic needs set out in articles 16 to 19 are addressed.
\n3. Taking into account these recommendations, the Conference of the Parties
\nshall:
\na. identify those national, subregional, regional and international units that are
\nmost appropriate for networking, and recommend operational procedures, and a time
\nframe, for them; and
\nb. identify the units best suited to facilitating and strengthening such networking
\nat all levels.<\/p>\n

PART V-PROCEDURES<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Article 26 -Communication of information<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Each Party shall communicate to the Conference of the Parties for
\nconsideration at its ordinary sessions, through the Permanent Secretariat, reports on
\nthe measures which it has taken for the implementation of the Convention. The
\nConference of the Parties shall determine the timetable for submission and the format
\nof such reports.
\n2. Affected country Parties shall provide a description of the strategies
\nestablished pursuant to article 5 and of any relevant information on their
\nimplementation.
\n3. Affected country Parties which implement action programs pursuant to
\narticles 9 to 15 shall provide a detailed description of the programs and of their
\nimplementation.
\n4. Any group of affected country Parties may make a joint communication on
\nmeasures taken at the subregional and\/or regional levels in the framework of action
\nprograms.
\n5. Developed country Parties shall report on measures taken to assist in the
\npreparation and implementation of action programs, including information on the
\nfinancial resources they have provided, or are providing, under the Convention.
\n6. Information communicated pursuant to paragraphs 1 to 4 shall be transmitted
\nby the Permanent Secretariat as soon as possible to the Conference of the Parties and
\nto any relevant subsidiary body.
\n7. The Conference of the Parties shall facilitate the provision to affected
\ndeveloping countries, particularly those in Africa, on request, of technical and
\nfinancial support in compiling and communicating information in accordance with this
\narticle, as well as identifying the technical and financial needs associated with action
\nprograms.<\/p>\n

Article 27 -Measures to resolve questions on implementation<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nThe Conference of the Parties shall consider and adopt procedures and institutional
\nmechanisms for the resolution of questions that may arise with regard to the
\nimplementation of the Convention.<\/p>\n

Article 28 -Settlement of disputes<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Parties shall settle any dispute between them concerning the interpretation or
\napplication of the Convention through negotiation or other peaceful means of their
\nown choice.
\n2. When ratifying, accepting, approving, or acceding to the Convention, or at any
\ntime thereafter, a Party which is not a regional economic integration organization may
\ndeclare in a written instrument submitted to the Depositary that, in respect of any
\ndispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention, it recognizes
\none or both of the following means of dispute settlement as compulsory in relation to
\nany Party accepting the same obligation:
\na. arbitration in accordance with procedures adopted by the Conference of the
\nParties in an annex as soon as practicable;
\nb. submission of the dispute to the International Court of Justice.
\n3. A Party which is a regional economic integration organization may make a
\ndeclaration with like effect in relation to arbitration in accordance with the procedure
\nreferred to in paragraph 2 (a).
\n4. A declaration made pursuant to paragraph 2 shall remain in force until it
\nexpires in accordance with its terms or until three months after written notice of its
\nrevocation has been deposited with the Depositary.
\n5. The expiry of a declaration, a notice of revocation or a new declaration shall
\nnot in any way affect proceedings pending before an arbitral tribunal or the
\nInternational Court of Justice unless the Parties to the dispute otherwise agree.
\n6. If the Parties to a dispute have not accepted the same or any procedure
\npursuant to paragraph 2 and if they have not been able to settle their dispute within
\ntwelve months following notification by one Party to another that a dispute exists
\nbetween them, the dispute shall be submitted to conciliation at the request of any Party
\nto the dispute, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Conference of the Parties
\nin an annex as soon as practicable.<\/p>\n

Article 29 -Status of annexes<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Annexes form an integral part of the Convention and, unless expressly
\nprovided otherwise, a reference to the Convention also constitutes a reference to its
\nannexes.
\n2. The Parties shall interpret the provisions of the annexes in a manner that is in
\nconformity with their rights and obligations under the articles of this Convention.<\/p>\n

Article 30 -Amendments to the Convention<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Any Party may propose amendments to the Convention.
\n2. Amendments to the Convention shall be adopted at an ordinary session of the
\nConference of the Parties. The text of any proposed amendment shall be
\ncommunicated to the Parties by the Permanent Secretariat at least six months before
\nthe meeting at which it is proposed for adoption. The Permanent Secretariat shall also
\ncommunicate proposed amendments to the signatories to the Convention.
\n3. The Parties shall make every effort to reach agreement on any proposed
\namendment to the Convention by consensus. If all efforts at consensus have been
\nexhausted and no agreement reached, the amendment shall, as a last resort, be adopted
\nby a two-thirds majority vote of the Parties present and voting at the meeting. The
\nadopted amendment shall be communicated by the Permanent Secretariat to the
\nDepositary, who shall circulate it to all Parties for their ratification, acceptance,
\napproval or accession.
\n4. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in respect of an
\namendment shall be deposited with the Depositary. An amendment adopted pursuant
\nto paragraph 3 shall enter into force for those Parties having accepted it on the
\nninetieth day after the date of receipt by the Depositary of an instrument of
\nratification, acceptance, approval or accession by at least two thirds of the Parties to
\nthe Convention which were Parties at the time of the adoption of the amendment.
\n5. The amendment shall enter into force for any other Party on the ninetieth day
\nafter the date on which that Party deposits with the Depositary its instrument of
\nratification, acceptance or approval of, or accession to the said amendment.
\n6. For the purposes of this article and article 31, “Parties present and voting”
\nmeans Parties present and casting an affirmative or negative vote.<\/p>\n

Article 31 -Adoption and amendment of annexes<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Any additional annex to the Convention and any amendment to an annex shall
\nbe proposed and adopted in accordance with the procedure for amendment of the
\nConvention set forth in article 30, provided that, in adopting an additional regional
\nimplementation annex or amendment to any regional implementation annex, the
\nmajority provided for in that article shall include a two-thirds majority vote of the
\nParties of the region concerned present and voting. The adoption or amendment of an
\nannex shall be communicated by the Depositary to all Parties.
\n2. An annex, other than an additional regional implementation annex, or an
\namendment to an annex, other than an amendment to any regional implementation
\nannex, that has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 1, shall enter into force for
\nall Parties to the Convention six months after the date of communication by the
\nDepositary to such Parties of the adoption of such annex or amendment, except for
\nthose Parties that have notified the Depositary in writing within that period of their
\nnon- acceptance of such annex or amendment. Such annex or amendment shall enter
\ninto force for Parties which withdraw their notification of non-acceptance on the
\nninetieth day after the date on which withdrawal of such notification has been received
\nby the Depositary.
\n3. An additional regional implementation annex or amendment to any regional
\nimplementation annex that has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 1, shall
\nenter into force for all Parties to the Convention six months after the date of the
\ncommunication by the Depositary to such Parties of the adoption of such annex or
\namendment, except with respect to:
\na. any Party that has notified the Depositary in writing, within such six month
\nperiod, of its non-acceptance of that additional regional implementation annex or of
\nthe amendment to the regional implementation annex, in which case such annex or
\namendment shall enter into force for Parties which withdraw their notification of nonacceptance on the ninetieth day after the date on which withdrawal of such notification
\nhas been received by the Depositary; and
\nb. any Party that has made a declaration with respect to additional regional
\nimplementation annexes or amendments to regional implementation annexes in
\naccordance with article 34, paragraph 4, in which case any such annex or amendment
\nshall enter into force for such a Party on the ninetieth day after the date of deposit with
\nthe Depositary of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with
\nrespect to such annex or amendment.
\n4. If the adoption of an annex or an amendment to an annex involves an
\namendment to the Convention, that annex or amendment to an annex shall not enter
\ninto force until such time as the amendment to the Convention enters into force.<\/p>\n

Article 32 -Right to vote<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. Except as provided for in paragraph 2, each Party to the Convention shall have
\none vote.
\n2. Regional economic integration organizations, in matters within their
\ncompetence, shall exercise their right to vote with a number of votes equal to the
\nnumber of their member States that are Parties to the Convention. Such an
\norganization shall not exercise its right to vote if any of its member States exercises its
\nright, and vice versa.<\/p>\n

PART VI-FINAL PROVISIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Article 33 -Signature<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nThis Convention shall be opened for signature at Paris, on 14-15 October 1994, by
\nStates Members of the United Nations or any of its specialized agencies or that are
\nParties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice and by regional economic
\nintegration organizations. It shall remain open for signature, thereafter, at the United
\nNations Headquarters in New York until 13 October 1995.<\/p>\n

Article 34-Ratification, acceptance, approval and accession<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Convention shall be subject to ratification, acceptance, approval or
\naccession by States and by regional economic integration organizations. It shall be
\nopen for accession from the day after the date on which the Convention is closed for
\nsignature. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be
\ndeposited with the Depositary.
\n2. Any regional economic integration organization which becomes a Party to the
\nConvention without any of its member States being a Party to the Convention shall be
\nbound by all the obligations under the Convention. Where one or more member States
\nof such an organization are also Party to the Convention, the organization and its
\nmember States shall decide on their respective responsibilities for the performance of
\ntheir obligations under the Convention. In such cases, the organization and the
\nmember States shall not be entitled to exercise rights under the Convention
\nconcurrently.
\n3. In their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, regional
\neconomic integration organizations shall declare the extent of their competence with
\nrespect to the matters governed by the Convention. They shall also promptly inform
\nthe Depositary, who shall in turn inform the Parties, of any substantial modification in
\nthe extent of their competence.
\n4. In its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, any Party
\nmay declare that, with respect to it, any additional regional implementation annex or
\nany amendment to any regional implementation annex shall enter into force only upon
\nthe deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with
\nrespect thereto.<\/p>\n

Article 35 -Interim arrangements<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nThe secretariat functions referred to in article 23 will be carried out on an interim basis
\nby the secretariat established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its
\nresolution 47\/188 of 22 December 1992, until the completion of the first session of the
\nConference of the Parties.<\/p>\n

Article 36 -Entry into force<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. The Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the date of
\ndeposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
\n2. For each State or regional economic integration organization ratifying,
\naccepting, approving or acceding to the Convention after the deposit of the fiftieth
\ninstrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, the Convention shall
\nenter into force on the ninetieth day after the date of deposit by such State or regional
\neconomic integration organization of its instrument of ratification, acceptance,
\napproval or accession.
\n3. For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, any instrument deposited by a regional
\neconomic integration organization shall not be counted as additional to those deposited
\nby States members of the organization.<\/p>\n

Article 37 -Reservations<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nNo reservations may be made to this Convention.<\/p>\n

Article 38 -Withdrawal<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\n1. At any time after three years from the date on which the Convention has
\nentered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from the Convention by giving
\nwritten notification to the Depositary.
\n2. Any such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the date of
\nreceipt by the Depositary of the notification of withdrawal, or on such later date as
\nmay be specified in the notification of withdrawal.<\/p>\n

Article 39 -Depositary<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nThe Secretary-General of the United Nations shall be the Depositary of the
\nConvention.<\/p>\n

Article 40 -Authentic texts<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nThe original of the present Convention, of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French,
\nRussian and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the United Nations.
\nIN WITNESS WHEREOF<\/strong> the undersigned, being duly authorized to that effect, have signed
\nthe present Convention.
\nDONE AT<\/strong> Paris, this 17th day of June one thousand nine hundred and ninety-four.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Prologue The Parties to this Convention, Affirming that human beings in affected or threatened areas are at the center of concerns to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought, Reflecting the urgent concern of the international community, including States and international organizations, about the adverse impacts of desertification and drought,<\/p>

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