OVERVIEW OF THE CONVENTION

Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the dry lands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found. The Convention came into force on 17 June 1994. The UN state parties, including the Sultanate (182 countries) joined the Convention. The Sultanate joined the Convention in 1996.

AIMS OF THE CONVENTION

• Combatting desertification and alleviate the effects of draught at the countries suffering from draught.
• Implement long-term strategies that focus on improving productivity of the affected lands, rehabilitate these lands and maintain the water sources and lands in addition to ensuring sustainable management of such lands.
• Take effective measure in collaboration with countries of the work and within partnership that are in line with the agenda of the 21st century to achieve the aims of sustainable development.