Recognizing the need for a fresh approach to combating desertification, governments adopted the UNCCD in 1994. The Convention seeks to promote effective action against dryland degradation through innovative local programs and supportive international partnerships.
Activities
The Convention secretariat, headquartered in Bonn, makes arrangements for official meetings, transmits documentation and reports, facilitates assistance to affected developing country Parties, and coordinates its activities with other relevant intergovernmental bodies. The Geneva Liaison Office cooperates with the UN Office in Geneva on matters related to administration and the servicing of conferences. It also responds to queries from the Permanent Missions.
Type of organisation:
Intergovernmental organizations
Established:
Number of staff:
2 (Geneva Liaison Office),
55 (Headquarters)
Head/Director:
Executive Secretary: Luc Gnacadja
Subtitle:
Geneva Liaison Office
Cooperation
Since the UNCCD secretariat is not an operational agency, the Convention has to rely on the comparative advantage of the United Nations and other institutions for its timely implementation. The secretariat has developed long-term joint work programmes with FAO, IFAD, UNIFEM, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNU, WFP, WMO and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
Publications
Official documentation; Down to Earth Newsletter; national, sub-regional and regional reports; Fact Sheets; Down to Earth - a simplified guide to the Convention to Combat Desertification; and Lupo Alberto - a comic strip explaining desertification. See the website.
