1. To meet their obligations under s. 5, the affected developing countries Parties and, within the framework of the relevant annex concerning implementation at the regional level or in another framework, any other affected country Party that has informed the Permanent Secretariat in writing of its intention Develop a national programme of action, develop, make public and carry out, as appropriate, national programmes of action, using or taking advantage, as far as possible, of the current plans and programmes that are good Results, and subregional and regional action programmes, to make it the focal point of the Strategy to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. These programmes will be updated as part of an ongoing participatory process, taking into account the lessons learned from the field work and the results of the research. The preparation of national programmes will be carried out in close coordination with other work on the development of national sustainable development policies.

2. Within the framework of the various forms of assistance they provide in accordance with Art. 6, developed country Parties shall give priority, as agreed, to the national, subregional and regional action programmes of affected developing countries Parties, in particular those in Africa, or directly, Either through relevant multilateral organizations, or both.

3. The Parties shall encourage the organs, funds and programmes of the United Nations system and other relevant intergovernmental organizations, educational institutions, the scientific community and non-governmental organizations Able to cooperate, in accordance with their mandates and capacities, to support the development, implementation and monitoring of action programmes.

The purpose of the national action programmes is to identify the factors that contribute to desertification and the concrete measures to be taken to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.

2. The national action programmes shall specify the role of the State, the local authorities and the operators of the land and the resources available and necessary. These include:

(a)

Define long-term strategies to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought, focus on implementation and be integrated into national sustainable development policies;

(b)

Be adaptable to changing circumstances and be flexible enough at the local level to adapt to different socio-economic, biological and geophysical conditions;

(c)

Give special attention to the application of preventive measures for land that is not yet degraded or is only slightly degraded;

(d)

Strengthen national climate, meteorological and hydrological capacities and the means to launch early drought alerts;

(e)

To promote policies and strengthen institutional frameworks for developing cooperation and coordination, in a spirit of partnership, between the donor community, public authorities at all levels, Local populations and community groups, and facilitate local populations' access to appropriate information and technologies;

(f)

Provide for effective participation at local, national and regional levels of non-governmental organizations and local populations, and in particular resource users, including farmers and pastors and organizations Representing them, making a place as broad to women as men, policy planning, decision-making, and the implementation and review of national action programmes; and

(g)

Provide for the obligation to provide regular updates on the implementation of these programmes and to prepare reports on the progress of the work.

3. National programmes of action may include, inter alia, all or part of the following measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of drought:

(a)

The creation of early warning systems, including local and national facilities and common systems at sub-regional and regional levels, as well as mechanisms to assist displaced persons for environmental reasons, and/or Reinforcement, as appropriate;

(b)

Strengthening mechanisms for the prevention and management of drought situations, including emergency response plans at local, national, subregional and regional levels, taking into account both seasonal climate forecasts And forecasts from year to year;

(c)

The establishment and/or strengthening, as appropriate, of food safety systems, including storage and marketing facilities, particularly in rural areas;

(d)

Development of projects to promote new livelihood opportunities in drought-prone areas; and

(e)

Development of sustainable irrigation programs for crops and livestock.

4. Taking into account the situation of each affected country Party and its own needs, the national action programmes shall provide, inter alia, as appropriate, measures in all or part of the following priority areas, which have a report With the fight against desertification and the mitigation of the effects of drought in the affected areas and concern their populations: promoting new livelihoods and improving the national economic environment for Strengthen poverty eradication and food security programmes, dynamic Population, sustainable management of natural resources, environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, development and efficient use of various energy sources, institutional and legal frameworks, strengthening of assessment tools and Systematic observation, including the creation of hydrological and meteorological services, and capacity-building, education and public awareness.

The affected countries Parties shall consult and cooperate to develop, as appropriate, in accordance with the relevant annexes on regional implementation, subregional or regional action programmes for harmonization, Complement and make national programmes more effective. The provisions of Art. 10 apply Mutatis mutandis Subregional and regional programmes. Such cooperation may also extend to the implementation of joint programmes agreed upon for the sustainable management of transboundary natural resources, scientific and technical collaboration and institution-building Competent.

The affected countries Parties should, in collaboration with other Parties and the international community, cooperate to promote an enabling international environment for the implementation of the Convention. This cooperation should extend to the transfer of technology, scientific research and development, the collection and dissemination of information and financial resources.

1. Measures to support action programmes under art. 9 includes, inter alia:

(a)

Financial cooperation aimed at ensuring predictability of the programmes of action to enable the necessary long-term planning;

(b)

The development and use of cooperation mechanisms with enhanced support opportunities at the local level, including through non-governmental organizations, in order to facilitate the replication, where appropriate, of activities Successful pilot programs; and

(c)

Increased flexibility in the design, funding and implementation of projects, in accordance with the experimental, iterative approach, which is appropriate for action at the local community level based on participation; and

(d)

Appropriate administrative and budgetary procedures to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation and support programmes.

2. This support to developing country Parties shall be accorded priority to African Parties and to the least developed countries Parties.

The Parties shall work closely, directly and through the relevant intergovernmental organizations, to develop and implement action programmes.

2. The Parties shall develop, in particular at the national and local levels, operational mechanisms to ensure the widest possible coordination among developed countries Parties, developing countries Parties and Competent intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, in order to avoid duplication, harmonize interventions and approaches and maximize the impact of aid. In developing country Parties, priority will be given to coordinating activities relating to international cooperation in order to achieve maximum effectiveness in the use of resources, to ensure appropriate assistance and to ensure that Facilitate the implementation of national programmes and the fulfilment of priorities under this Convention.

The elements to be incorporated into the action programmes shall be selected and adapted according to the socio-economic, geographical and climatic characteristics of the countries Parties or regions affected, as well as their level of development. Guidelines for the development of the action programmes, specifying the direction and content of the action programmes for the various sub-regions and regions, are set out in the annexes on implementation at regional level.

The Parties agree, according to their respective capacities, to integrate and coordinate the collection, analysis and exchange of relevant data and information for short and long-term periods to ensure compliance A systematic approach to land degradation in affected areas and to better understand and assess the phenomena and effects of drought and desertification. This would contribute, in particular, to the establishment of an early warning and pre-planning system for periods of adverse climatic variations in a form suitable for practical application by users to all Levels, especially by local populations. To this end, the Parties, as appropriate:

(a)

Facilitate and strengthen the functioning of the global network of institutions and facilities for the collection, analysis and exchange of information as well as systematic observation at all levels, the network before:

(i)

Seek to use compatible standards and systems,

(ii)

Include appropriate data and stations, including in remote areas,

(iii)

To use and disseminate modern technologies for collecting, transmitting and evaluating data on land degradation; and

(iv)

Strengthen linkages between national, subregional and regional data and information centres and global sources of information;

(b)

Ensure that the collection, analysis and exchange of information meets the needs of local communities and decision-makers, with a view to solving specific problems, and ensuring that local authorities Participate;

(c)

Support and develop bilateral and multilateral programmes and projects to identify, undertake, evaluate and fund the collection, analysis and exchange of data and information, including, inter alia, integrated sets of indicators Physical, biological, social and economic;

(d)

Take full advantage of the expertise of relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, in particular to disseminate relevant information and experiences to different target groups Regions;

(e)

Give due consideration to the collection, analysis and exchange of socio-economic data, as well as their integration with physical and biological data;

(f)

Exchange and communicate openly and promptly all information from all public sources relating to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought; and

(g)

Subject to the provisions of their national laws and/or policies, exchange information on traditional and local knowledge by ensuring that adequate protection is provided and that appropriate use is made of The local populations concerned for the benefits arising therefrom, in a fair manner and in accordance with mutually agreed terms.

The Parties undertake, according to their respective capacities, to promote technical and scientific cooperation in the areas of combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought through the institutions At the national, subregional, regional and international levels. To this end, they support research activities that:

(a)

Help to better understand the processes leading to desertification and drought, as well as the respective impact and role of natural and human factors, with a view to combating desertification and mitigating The effects of drought and improved productivity and sustainable use and management of resources;

(b)

Meet defined objectives, aim to meet the specific needs of local populations and enable solutions to be found and implemented to improve the living conditions of the populations in the affected areas;

(c)

Safeguard, integrate and enhance local and traditional knowledge, know-how and practices and confirm their validity by ensuring, in accordance with their national legislation and/or their respective national policies, that holders of That knowledge shall directly benefit, in a fair manner and in accordance with mutually agreed terms, any commercial exploitation that may be made of it or any technological developments that may result therefrom;

(d)

Develop and strengthen national, subregional and regional research capacities in affected developing countries Parties, particularly in Africa, including local capacity building and capacity-building Appropriate, especially in countries where research infrastructure is weak, paying particular attention to multidisciplinary and participatory socio-economic research;

(e)

Take into account, where appropriate, the relationship between poverty, migration due to ecological factors and desertification;

(f)

Promote the implementation of joint research programs conducted by national, subregional, regional and international research organizations, both in the public sector and in the private sector, to develop Effective participation of local people and communities, better, low-cost, and accessible technologies for sustainable development; and

(g)

Increase the availability of water resources in the affected areas, including the seeding of clouds.

2. Research priorities for the different regions and sub-regions, which vary according to the local situation, should be indicated in the action programmes. The Conference of the Parties periodically reviews these priorities, based on the advice of the Committee on Science and Technology.

The Parties undertake, as agreed by mutual agreement and in accordance with their national legislation and/or policies, to promote, finance and/or facilitate the financing of the transfer, acquisition, adaptation and The development of environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable technologies to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought, with a view to contributing to development In the affected areas. Such cooperation shall be conducted bilaterally or multilaterally, as appropriate, with the Parties taking full advantage of the expertise of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. In particular, the Parties:

(a)

Make full use of appropriate systems and information centres that exist at the national, subregional, regional and international levels for the dissemination of information on available technologies, their sources, risks Present for the environment and the general conditions under which they can be acquired;

(b)

Facilitate access, in particular to affected developing countries Parties, to favourable conditions, including concessional and preferential conditions, as agreed by mutual agreement, taking into account the need for Protection of intellectual property rights, technologies that are best suited to a practical application that meets the specific needs of local populations, paying particular attention to the social, cultural and cultural implications The economic and environmental impact of these technologies;

(c)

Facilitate technological cooperation between the affected countries Parties through financial assistance or other appropriate means;

(d)

Expand technological cooperation with affected developing countries Parties, including, where appropriate, joint ventures, in particular in sectors that contribute to new livelihoods, and

(e)

Make arrangements for the establishment in national markets of conditions and incentives, fiscal or otherwise, to promote the development, transfer, acquisition and adaptation of technologies, knowledge, Appropriate know-how and practices, including provisions to ensure adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights.

2. The Parties, according to their respective capacities and in accordance with their national laws and/or policies, protect, promote and use, in particular, technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices Traditional and local. To this end, they undertake to:

(a)

To identify such technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices and their potential uses, with the participation of local populations, and to disseminate relevant information, as appropriate, in cooperation with the Relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations;

(b)

Ensure that such technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices are adequately protected and that local populations benefit directly, in a fair and mutually agreed manner, from any commercial exploitation that Could be made or any technological developments that might result from it;

(c)

Actively encourage and support the improvement and dissemination of these technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices or the development of new technologies; and

(d)

Facilitate, as appropriate, the adaptation of these technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices, so that they can be widely used, and integrate them, if necessary, with modern technologies.

The Parties recognize the importance of capacity-building-that is, the strengthening of institutions, training and development of relevant local and national capacities-to combat desertification and Mitigate the effects of drought. They are working to promote, as appropriate, capacity-building:

(a)

Through the full participation of the population at all levels, especially at the local level, especially women and young people, with the cooperation of non-governmental and local organizations;

(b)

Strengthening national training and research capacity in the area of desertification and drought;

(c)

By creating and/or strengthening support and extension services for more effective dissemination of relevant technologies and methods, and by training extension workers and members of rural organizations Participatory conservation and sustainable use of natural resources;

(d)

Encouraging the use and dissemination of the knowledge, know-how and practices of local people within the framework of technical cooperation programmes whenever possible;

(e)

Adapting, where necessary, environmentally sound technologies and traditional methods of agriculture and pastoralism relevant to modern socio-economic conditions;

(f)

By providing appropriate training on the use of alternative energy sources, in particular renewable energy sources, and by providing appropriate technologies to, inter alia, reduce dependence on Firewood;

(g)

Through cooperation, as agreed by mutual agreement, with a view to enhancing the capacity of affected developing countries Parties to develop and implement programmes in the area of collection, analysis and The exchange of information, pursuant to Art. 16;

(h)

Through innovative approaches to promoting new livelihoods, including training for the acquisition of new skills;

(i)

Training decision-makers, managers and staff responsible for the collection and analysis of data, dissemination and use of information on drought provided by early warning systems, and production Food;

(j)

Through better functioning of existing national legal frameworks and frameworks and, where necessary, the creation of new institutions and frameworks and the strengthening of strategy and management planning; And

(k)

Through staff exchange programmes to build capacity in the affected countries Parties through an interactive learning and study process in the long term.

2. The affected developing countries Parties shall, in cooperation with other Parties and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, as appropriate, carry out a multidisciplinary capacity review and Facilities available at the local and national levels, and opportunities to strengthen them.

3. The Parties shall cooperate with each other and through relevant intergovernmental organizations, as well as with non-governmental organizations, to undertake and support awareness-raising programmes and Public education in affected countries Parties and, where appropriate, in non-affected countries Parties in order to increase understanding of the causes and effects of desertification and drought and how important it is to reach The objectives of this Convention. To this end, they:

(a)

Organise awareness campaigns aimed at the general public;

(b)

Promote, on an ongoing basis, public access to relevant information, as well as broad participation in education and awareness-raising activities;

(c)

Encourage the creation of an association that contributes to public awareness;

(d)

Develop and exchange educational and public awareness materials, where possible in local languages, exchange and secondment experts to train the staff of affected developing countries Parties to the implementation of the Education and awareness-raising programmes, and make full use of the educational material available in the relevant international bodies;

(e)

Assess education needs in affected areas, develop appropriate school curricula and develop, where appropriate, adult education and literacy programs and opportunities for all Girls and women, with a view to the identification, conservation and sustainable use and management of the natural resources of the affected areas; and

(f)

Develop multi-disciplinary participatory programmes that integrate awareness of desertification and drought problems in education systems and in non-formal education, education of Adults, distance education and practical education.

4. The Conference of the Parties shall constitute and/or strengthen networks of regional education and training centres to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. These networks shall be coordinated by an institution established or designated for this purpose in order to train scientific, technical and management personnel and to strengthen the institutions responsible for education and training in the affected countries Parties, Where appropriate, with a view to the harmonisation of programmes and the organisation of exchanges of experience between these institutions. These networks cooperate closely with relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to avoid duplication.

Since funding is of fundamental importance in achieving the objective of the Convention, the Parties shall make every effort, to the extent of their capacity, to ensure adequate financial resources are Programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.

2. In this respect, the developed countries Parties, while giving priority to affected African countries Parties and without neglecting the affected developing countries Parties in other regions, in accordance with Art. 7, commit to:

(a)

Mobilize significant financial resources, including grants and concessional loans, to support the implementation of programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought;

(b)

Promote the mobilization of adequate, predictable and timely financial resources, including new and additional funds provided by the Global Environment Facility to finance the agreed incremental costs of activities Relating to desertification under its four main policy areas, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the instrument establishing the said Fund;

(c)

Facilitate the transfer of technology, knowledge and expertise through international cooperation; and

(d)

Explore, in cooperation with affected developing countries Parties, innovative methods and possible incentives to mobilize and channel resources, including those of foundations, non-governmental organizations and others Private sector entities, in particular debt conversions and other innovative ways of increasing financing by reducing the external debt burden of affected developing countries Parties, in particular those that Are in Africa.

The affected developing countries Parties, taking into account their means, undertake to mobilize adequate financial resources to implement their national programmes of action.

4. When mobilizing financial resources, the Parties shall endeavour to make full use and continue to improve qualitatively all national, bilateral and multilateral mechanisms and sources of funding through the use of Consortia, joint programmes and parallel funding, and seek the participation of private sector funding mechanisms and sources, including those of non-governmental organizations. To this end, the Parties shall make full use of the operational mechanisms developed pursuant to Art. 14.

In order to mobilize the financial resources needed by affected developing countries Parties to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought, the Parties shall:

(a)

Rationalize and strengthen the management of resources already allocated to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought by using them more efficiently and effectively, by assessing their successes and failures, by Removing obstacles to their effective use and, where necessary, reorienting programmes in the light of the long-term integrated approach adopted under this Convention;

(b)

Give priority and attention, within the governing bodies of multilateral financial institutions, mechanisms and funds, including banks and regional development funds, to affected developing countries Parties, in particular those in Africa, for activities that advance the implementation of the Convention, including the action programmes they undertake in the context of the implementation annexes at the level Regional; and

(c)

Examine ways in which regional and subregional cooperation can be strengthened in support of national efforts.

6. Other Parties are encouraged to provide, on a voluntary basis, the knowledge, know-how and techniques concerning desertification and/or financial resources to affected developing countries Parties.

7. In fulfilling their obligations under the Convention, including in particular those relating to financial resources and the transfer of technology, the developed countries Parties will make a significant contribution to the Affected development Parties, particularly those in Africa, to fully implement their obligations under the Convention. In fulfilling their obligations, developed countries Parties should take full account of the fact that economic and social development and poverty eradication are the primary priorities of the affected developing countries Parties, Especially those in Africa.

The Conference of the Parties shall promote the availability of financial mechanisms and encourage such mechanisms to ensure that affected developing countries Parties, in particular those in Africa, have the maximum Funds to implement the Convention. To this end, the Conference of the Parties shall consider, inter alia, their adoption, methods and policies for:

(a)

Facilitate the availability of funds at the national, sub-regional, regional or global levels for activities carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention;

(b)

Encourage and evaluate approaches, mechanisms and agreements based on several sources of funding, in accordance with s. 20;

(c)

Regularly provide interested Parties and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, in order to facilitate coordination among them, information on available sources of funding and on modes of Funding;

(d)

Facilitate, as appropriate, the establishment of mechanisms such as national desertification funds, including those involving the participation of non-governmental organizations, for the rapid and efficient delivery of Local financial resources in affected developing countries Parties; and

(e)

Strengthen existing funds and financial mechanisms at the subregional and regional levels, particularly in Africa, to more effectively support the implementation of the Convention.

2. The Conference of the Parties also encourages support, through the various mechanisms of the United Nations system and multilateral financial institutions, at the national, subregional and regional levels for activities that Enable developing country Parties to fulfil their obligations under the Convention.

3. Affected developing countries Parties shall use and, if necessary, establish and/or strengthen national coordination mechanisms integrated into national development programmes and to ensure the rational use of all Financial resources available. They also use participatory processes, which involve non-governmental organizations, local groups and the private sector, to find funds to develop and implement programs and ensure access Groups at the local level for funding. These actions can be enhanced by improved coordination and flexible programming by those who provide assistance.

4. In order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of existing financial mechanisms, a global mechanism to encourage actions leading to the mobilization and delivery of resources to affected developing countries Parties In particular for the transfer of technology, in the form of grants and/or concessia/conditions or other conditions, is established by this Convention. This Global Mechanism operates under the authority and conduct of the Conference of the Parties and is accountable to it.

5. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its first session, identify an organization to install the GM. The Conference of the Parties and the organization that it has identified agree on modalities for this Global Mechanism to ensure, inter alia, that:

(a)

Identifies relevant bilateral and multilateral cooperation programmes available for the implementation and inventory of the Convention;

(b)

Provide, to Parties requesting it, advice on innovative financing methods and sources of financial assistance, as well as on improving the coordination of cooperation activities at the national level;

(c)

Provide interested Parties and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations with information on available funding sources and on funding arrangements to facilitate coordination between them; and

(d)

Report to the Conference of the Parties on its activities from the second regular session of the Conference.

6. The Conference of the Parties shall, at its first session, with the organization that it has identified to install the GM, appropriate arrangements for the latter's administrative operations, by making an appeal, to the extent that the Available to existing budgetary and human resources.

7. The Conference of the Parties shall consider at its third regular session the policies, operating procedures and activities of the Global Mechanism which is responsible to the Conference of the Parties under s. 4, taking into account the provisions of Art. 7. On the basis of this review, it shall consider and take appropriate measures.

This Annex applies to Africa in respect of each Party and in accordance with the Convention, in particular Art. 7, for the purpose of combating desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought in the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas of this region.

The purpose of this annex is, at the national, subregional and regional levels in Africa, and taking into account the special features of that region:

(a)

Define the measures and arrangements to be taken, including the nature and modalities of the assistance provided by the developed countries Parties, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention;

(b)

Ensure that the Convention is well implemented, taking into account the particularities of Africa; and

(c)

Promote mechanisms and activities to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas of Africa.

In order to fulfil its obligations under the Convention, the Parties, as part of the implementation of this Annex, adopt a basic approach that takes into account the particularities of Africa, namely:

(a)

A high proportion of arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas;

(b)

A high number of countries and populations suffering from desertification and the frequent return of periods of severe drought;

(c)

A large number of landlocked countries;

(d)

Widespread poverty in most of the least developed countries, and the need for substantial external assistance, in the form of grants and concessional loans, to continue their Development objectives;

(e)

Socio-economic difficulties exacerbated by the deterioration and fluctuation of the terms of trade, external indebtedness and political instability, which lead to internal, regional and international migration;

(f)

Populations that, for their livelihoods, are heavily dependent on natural resources, which, compounded by the effects of demographic trends and factors, the weakness of the technological base and production practices Non-sustainable, contributes to a worrying degradation of resources;

(g)

Gaps in the institutional framework and the legal framework, weak infrastructure and insufficient scientific, technical and educational resources, and hence the considerable need for capacity-building in the countries of the region; and

(h)

The primary role of actions to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought among the national development priorities of affected African countries,

1. Depending on their respective capacities, African countries Parties undertake to:

(a)

To make efforts to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought the essential component of a poverty eradication strategy;

(b)

Promote regional cooperation and integration, in a spirit of solidarity and partnership based on the common interest, in programmes and activities to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought;

(c)

To rationalize and strengthen the institutions affected by desertification and drought, and to call upon other existing institutions, as appropriate, in order to increase their effectiveness and ensure a more efficient use of Resources;

(d)

Promote the exchange of information among themselves on appropriate technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices; and

(e)

Develop contingency plans to mitigate the effects of drought in areas degraded by desertification and/or drought.

2. In accordance with the general and specific obligations set out in Art. 4 and 5 of the Convention, affected African countries Parties shall endeavour to:

(a)

Allocate appropriate budgetary allocations, based on the country's situation and resources, and given the new priority that Africa has given to the phenomenon of desertification and/or drought;

(b)

To continue and intensify the reforms undertaken in the field of decentralisation and improvement of the regime for the exploitation of resources, and to strengthen the participation of local people and communities; and

(c)

Identify and mobilize new and additional national financial resources and develop, as a matter of priority, the means and mechanisms available at the national level to mobilize internal financial resources.

1. To meet their obligations under ss. 4, 6 and 7 of the Convention, developed country Parties give priority to affected African countries Parties and, in this context:

(a)

Assist them in combating desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought, inter alia, by providing financial and/or other resources, and/or by facilitating access to these resources, and by promoting and Financing the transfer, adaptation and access to environmentally appropriate technologies and know-how and/or facilitating the financing, as decided by mutual agreement and in accordance with their national policies, taking account of their Adoption of poverty eradication as a central strategy;

(b)

Continue to allocate significant resources and/or increase resources to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought; and

(c)

Help them build their capacity to improve their institutional framework, as well as their scientific and technical resources, information collection and analysis and research and development in order to combat the Desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought.

2. Other countries Parties may provide, on a voluntary basis, technologies, knowledge and know-how related to desertification and/or financial resources to affected African countries Parties. The transfer of these technologies, knowledge and know-how is facilitated by international cooperation.

1. The national action programmes are part of a broader process of national policy development for the sustainable development of affected African countries Parties and are an essential component of them.

2. A consultative and participatory process is engaged with the participation of public authorities at the appropriate levels, local populations, communities and non-governmental organizations, with a view to providing guidance on The strategy to be applied, based on flexible planning that allows for the optimal participation of local populations and communities. Bilateral and multilateral aid agencies may be involved, as appropriate, in this process at the request of an affected African country Party.

Pending the entry into force of this Convention, the African countries Parties, in cooperation with other members of the international community, as appropriate, shall, to the extent possible, apply provisionally the provisions On the development of national, subregional and regional action programmes.

1. In accordance with the provisions of Art. 10 of the Convention, the overall strategy of national action programmes is to focus on the areas affected by integrated local development programmes based on participatory mechanisms and on the integration of strategies To eradicate poverty in efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. The programmes aim to strengthen the capacity of local authorities and to ensure the active participation of local populations, communities and groups, with a focus on education and training, and the mobilization of non-governmental organizations. Governments that have demonstrated their expertise and the strengthening of decentralised state structures.

2. The national action programmes shall, as appropriate, present the following general characteristics:

(a)

The exploitation, in the development and implementation of regional programmes of action, of past experiences to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought, taking into account social, economic and environmental conditions; Ecological;

(b)

Identification of factors contributing to desertification and/or drought, available and necessary resources and capacities, policy development and institutional and other solutions and measures Necessary to combat these phenomena and/or mitigate its effects; and

(c)

Increased participation of local people and communities, including women, farmers and pastoralists, and greater delegation of authority to these management groups.

3. The national action programmes also provide, as appropriate:

(a)

Measures to improve the economic environment for the eradication of poverty by:

(i)

Increase incomes and create jobs, especially for the poorest, by:

-

Developing markets for agricultural and livestock products,

-

Implementing financial instruments adapted to local needs,

-

Encouraging diversification in agriculture and the establishment of agricultural enterprises, and

-

Developing para-agricultural or non-agricultural economic activities;

(ii)

To improve the long-term prospects of rural economies by:

-

Establishing measures to support productive investment and ensuring access to means of production, and

-

Introducing a pricing policy and tax policy and growth-promoting business practices;

(iii)

Define and implement population and migration policies to reduce population pressure on the land;

(iv)

Promote the use of drought-resistant crops and the use of integrated arido-culture systems to ensure food security;

(b)

Measures to conserve natural resources by:

(i)

Ensure the integrated and sustainable management of natural resources, including:

-

Agricultural and pastoral land,

-

Plant cover and wildlife,

-

Forests,

-

Water resources, and

-

Biological diversity;

(ii)

Intensify public awareness and ecological education campaigns and provide training in this area, and disseminate knowledge about techniques related to the sustainable management of natural resources;

(iii)

Ensure the development and rational use of various energy sources and promote alternative energy sources, in particular solar energy, wind power and biogas, and provide for special arrangements for the Transfer, acquisition and adaptation of relevant technologies to mitigate the pressures on fragile natural resources;

(c)

Measures to improve the institutional organisation of:

(i)

Define the respective functions and responsibilities of the central administration and local authorities within the framework of the spatial planning policy,

(ii)

Encouraging an active decentralisation policy aimed at transferring responsibility for management and decision-making to local authorities, encouraging local authorities to take initiatives and taking responsibility for Responsibilities, and to promote the establishment of local structures, and

(iii)

Adapt, as appropriate, the institutional and regulatory framework for the management of natural resources so that local people benefit from the guarantee of land tenure;

(d)

Measures to improve knowledge of the phenomenon of desertification by:

(i)

Promote research and the collection, processing and exchange of information on the scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of desertification,

(ii)

To improve national research capacity and the collection, processing, exchange and analysis of information, in order to better understand the phenomenon and to put into practice the results of analyses, and

(iii)

Encourage the medium and long-term study of:

-

Socio-economic and cultural development in the affected areas,

-

The evolution of natural resources from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, and

-

The interaction between climate and desertification; and

(e)

Measures to monitor and assess the effects of drought and to:

(i)

To identify strategies for assessing the impacts of natural climate variability on drought and desertification at the regional level and/or to use the prevention of seasonal and interannual climate variability Attempt to mitigate the effects of drought,

(ii)

Strengthen early warning and intervention capabilities, improve the efficiency of emergency relief and food aid, improve the storage and distribution systems of foodstuffs, and improve the systems of protection of the Livestock and public infrastructure, and promote new livelihoods in drought-prone areas, and

(iii)

Monitoring and assessing ecological degradation in order to provide timely and reliable information on the process of resource degradation and the dynamics of this phenomenon in order to be able to devise better policies and measures Wrestling.

Each affected African country Parties shall designate an appropriate coordinating body to act as a catalyst in the development, implementation and evaluation of its national action programme. In the light of Art. 3, this coordinating body, as appropriate:

(a)

Undertakes to identify and study the actions, by initiating a consultation process at local level, with the participation of local people and communities and with the cooperation of the local administration, developed countries Parties and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, based on initial consultations with stakeholders at the national level;

(b)

Identifies and analyses constraints, needs and gaps that undermine the development and sustainable use of land, recommends concrete measures to avoid duplication by taking full advantage of ongoing efforts and Encourages the implementation of results;

(c)

Facilitates, designs and develops project-based activities based on flexible, interactive approaches to ensure active participation of populations in affected areas, reduce the negative effects of such activities, and identify and Prioritiing financial assistance and technical cooperation needs;

(d)

Establishes relevant, quantifiable and easily verifiable criteria for the analysis and evaluation of national action programmes, including short, medium and long-term measures and their implementation; and

(e)

Draws up detailed reports on the state of play of national action programmes.

1. Pursuant to s. 4 of the Convention, the African Parties shall cooperate in the development and implementation of subregional action programmes for Central Africa, East Africa, North Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa, and They may delegate to the relevant subregional intergovernmental organizations the following responsibilities:

(a)

Assume the functions of focal points for preparatory activities and coordinate the implementation of subregional action programmes;

(b)

Assist in the development and implementation of national action programmes;

(c)

Facilitate the exchange of information, experience and know-how and provide advice on the study of national legislation; and

(d)

Any other responsibility related to the implementation of subregional action programmes.

2. Subregional specialized agencies may, upon request, provide support and/or be responsible for coordinating activities within their respective fields of competence.

The subregional action programmes focus on issues that are better addressed at the subregional level. Subregional action programmes create, where appropriate, mechanisms for the management of shared natural resources. Such mechanisms effectively address transboundary issues related to desertification and/or drought and provide support for the smooth implementation of national action programmes. The subregional action programmes are, as appropriate, focused on the following priority areas:

(a)

Joint programmes for the sustainable management of transboundary natural resources, through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, as appropriate;

(b)

Coordination of alternative energy development programs;

(c)

Cooperation in the management and control of pest control and plant and animal diseases;

(d)

Capacity-building, education and public awareness activities that are better conducted or supported at the subregional level;

(e)

Scientific and technical cooperation, in particular in the climate, meteorological and hydrological fields, including the establishment of networks for data collection and evaluation, information sharing and monitoring Projects, coordination of research and development activities and prioritiing in this area;

(f)

Early warning systems and joint planning for mitigating the effects of drought, including measures to address problems arising from migration due to ecological factors;

(g)

Seeking ways to share experiences, particularly with regard to the participation of local people and communities, and the creation of an environment conducive to better land management and use of Appropriate technologies;

(h)

Strengthening the capacity of subregional organizations to coordinate and provide technical services, as well as the creation, reorientation and strengthening of subregional centres and institutions; and

(i)

Policy development in areas such as trade have implications for affected areas and populations, including policies for the coordination of regional marketing regimes and infrastructure development Common.

1. Pursuant to s. 11 of the Convention, the African Parties shall jointly adopt the procedures to be followed in the preparation and implementation of the Regional Programme of Action.

2. The Parties may provide appropriate support to African regional institutions and organizations competent to enable them to assist African Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the Convention.

The regional programme of action includes measures to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought in the following priority areas:

(a)

Development of regional cooperation and coordination of subregional action programmes to achieve regional consensus on key policy areas, including through regular consultations with organizations Subregional;

(b)

Promotion of capacity-building, in the context of activities that are best pursued at the regional level;

(c)

Research, with the international community, on solutions to the global economic and social problems that affect the affected areas, taking into account subs. 2 (b) of Art. 4 of the Convention;

(d)

Promotion of the exchange of appropriate information and technology, technical know-how and relevant experience between affected Parties and sub-regions of Africa and with other affected regions; promotion of cooperation Scientific and technical, particularly in the climatological, meteorological, hydrological, water resources and alternative energy sources; coordination of subregional and regional research activities; Identification of regional priorities for research and development;

(e)

Coordination of systematic observation and evaluation networks and information exchange, as well as their integration into global networks; and

(f)

Coordination and strengthening of subregional and regional early warning systems and drought contingency plans.

1. Pursuant to s. 20 of the Convention and para. 2 of the art. 4, affected African countries Parties shall endeavour to provide a macroeconomic framework to facilitate the mobilization of financial resources and develop policies and procedures for the allocation of resources. More effective use of local development programmes, including through non-governmental organizations, as appropriate.

2. In application of s. 4 and 5 of Art. 21 of the Convention, the Parties agree to establish an inventory of sources of funding at the national, subregional, regional and international levels to ensure the rational use of existing resources and to identify gaps in Fill in order to facilitate the implementation of action programmes. This inventory is regularly reviewed and updated.

3. In accordance with the provisions of Art. 7 of the Convention, developed country Parties continue to allocate significant resources and/or increased resources to affected African countries Parties as well as other forms of assistance on the basis of agreements and partnership mechanisms Subject to s. 18, paying due attention, in particular, to issues relating to indebtedness, international trade and marketing arrangements, in accordance with para. 2 B ) Of Art. 4 of the Convention.

1. In accordance with the provisions of Art. 7 of the Convention, which emphasizes that priority should be given in particular to the affected African countries Parties, and taking into account the special circumstances of that region, the Parties shall, in particular, apply in Africa the Provisions of s. 1 D ) And 1 E ) Of Art. 21 of the Convention, in particular:

(a)

Facilitating the creation of mechanisms, such as national funds for combating desertification, to channel financial resources at the local level; and

(b)

Strengthening existing funds and financial mechanisms at the subregional and regional levels.

2. In accordance with the provisions of s. 20 and 21 of the Convention, the Parties that are also members of the governing bodies of the relevant regional and subregional financial institutions, including the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund, Encouraging efforts to accord priority and attention to the activities of those institutions that advance the implementation of this Annex.

3. The Parties shall rationalize, as far as possible, modalities for the delivery of funds to affected African countries Parties,

The Parties undertake, on the basis of their respective capacities, to rationalize the technical assistance provided to African Parties and their cooperation with them, in order to increase the effectiveness of projects and programmes, in Including:

(a)

Limiting support and support costs, especially overhead costs; in any case, these expenses represent only a small percentage of the total cost of the project in order to optimize its effects;

(b)

Preferably to use the services of competent national experts or, if necessary, competent experts from the subregion and/or region, for the design, development and implementation of projects and to train local experts Where none exists; and

(c)

Technical assistance to be provided is well managed and coordinated, and used effectively.

As part of the application of s. 18 of the Convention, relating to the transfer, acquisition, adaptation and development of technologies, the Parties undertake to give priority to African Parties and, if necessary, to develop new models of Partnership and cooperation to increase capacity-building in the areas of scientific research and development, and the collection and dissemination of information to enable them to implement their Strategies to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.

1. The African Parties shall coordinate the preparation, negotiation and implementation of national, subregional and regional action programmes. They may, as appropriate, involve other Parties and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in that process.

2. The objectives of this coordination are to ensure that technical and financial cooperation is carried out in accordance with the Convention and to ensure the necessary continuity in the use and management of resources.

3. African Parties shall organize consultative processes at the national, subregional and regional levels. These consultative processes may include:

(a)

Serve as a framework for the negotiation and conclusion of partnership agreements based on national, subregional and regional action programmes; and

(b)

Identify contributions from African countries Parties and other members of advisory groups to programmes, and identify priorities and identify agreements on implementation and evaluation criteria, as well as Funding mechanisms for implementation.

4. The Permanent Secretariat may, at the request of the African countries Parties and under Art. 23 of the Convention, facilitate the convening of such consultative processes by:

(a)

Providing advice on the organization of effective advisory arrangements, drawing on lessons learned from other such arrangements;

(b)

Informing relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies on consultation meetings or processes and encouraging them to participate actively; and

(c)

Providing additional information that may be useful in establishing or improving advisory arrangements.

5. The subregional and regional coordinating bodies, inter alia:

(a)

Make recommendations on appropriate arrangements for partnering arrangements;

(b)

Monitor and evaluate and report on the implementation of approved subregional and regional programmes; and

(c)

Seek to ensure effective communication and cooperation between African Parties.

Participation in advisory groups is, as appropriate, open to Governments, interested groups and donors, relevant organs, funds and programmes of the United Nations system, subregional organizations and And representatives of relevant non-governmental organizations. The management and operation of each advisory group shall be decided by its participants.

7. Pursuant to s. 14 of the Convention, developed country Parties are encouraged to establish, on their own initiative, an informal process of consultation and coordination at the national, subregional and regional levels and to participate, at the request of a African country affected Party or regional or regional competent organization, to a national, subregional or regional consultative process aimed at assessing and responding to aid needs in order to facilitate the implementation of the Action programme.

The African countries Parties shall follow up this Annex, in accordance with the Convention, by:

(a)

At the national level, a mechanism whose composition should be drawn up by each affected African country Party and which includes representatives of the local authorities and is the responsibility of the national coordinating body referred to in Art. 9;

(b)

At the subregional level, a multidisciplinary scientific and technical advisory committee, whose composition and operating procedures are adopted by the sub-region concerned; and

(c)

At regional level, of mechanisms defined in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community and of an African Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee.

The purpose of this Annex is to provide guidelines and to indicate arrangements for the effective implementation of the Convention in the affected countries Parties in the Asian region, taking into account the special features of the Convention. Last.

In order to fulfil its obligations under the Convention, the Parties shall take into account, as appropriate, the following particularities that apply to varying degrees in the affected countries Parties of the region:

(a)

The high proportion of areas affected, or likely to be affected, in the territory of these countries, and the great diversity of these areas in terms of climate, topography, land use and socio-economic systems;

(b)

Heavy pressure on natural resources for sustenance;

(c)

The existence of production systems directly linked to widespread poverty, resulting in land degradation and depletion of scarce water resources;

(d)

The important consequences of the situation of the world economy and social problems such as poverty, poor health and nutrition, lack of food security, migration, displaced persons and dynamics Demographic;

(e)

The increasing but still insufficient capacity of these countries to address desertification and drought problems at the national level, as well as the institutional framework available to them; and

(f)

The need for international cooperation in order to pursue sustainable development objectives related to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought.

The national action programmes are part of the broader framework of national sustainable development policies developed by the affected countries Parties in the region.

2. The affected countries Parties shall develop, as appropriate, national action programmes under Art. 9 to 11 of the Convention, paying special attention to para. 2 F ) Of Art. 10. Where appropriate, bilateral and multilateral cooperation bodies may be involved in this process at the request of the affected country Party.

To develop and implement national action programmes, the affected countries Parties of the region may, inter alia, as appropriate and in accordance with their own circumstances and policies:

(a)

Designate appropriate bodies to develop, coordinate and implement their action programmes;

(b)

Involving affected populations, including local communities, in the development, coordination and implementation of their action programmes through a local consultation process, with the cooperation of local authorities Competent national and non-governmental organizations;

(c)

To study the state of the environment in the affected areas in order to analyse the causes and consequences of desertification and to identify priority areas for action;

(d)

Assess with the participation of affected populations the previous and ongoing programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in order to devise a strategy and identify activities to be undertaken in the future. Their action programmes;

(e)

Develop technical and financial programmes based on information obtained through the activities referred to in paras. (a) to (d);

(f)

Develop and implement procedures and criteria to evaluate the implementation of their action programs;

(g)

Promote integrated river basin management, the protection of soil resources and the increase and rational use of water resources;

(h)

Strengthen and/or establish information, assessment, monitoring and early warning systems in areas subject to desertification and drought, taking into account climatological, meteorological, hydrological and biological factors and Other relevant factors; and

(i)

Develop appropriate mechanisms to support their action programmes, in a spirit of partnership, when international cooperation, including financial and technical resources, is at stake.

2. In accordance with the provisions of Art. 10 of the Convention, the general strategy to be applied in the context of national programmes of action is broadly based on integrated local development programmes for affected areas based on participatory mechanisms and on The integration of poverty eradication strategies into efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. The sectoral measures provided for in the action programmes are sorted by priority areas, taking into account the wide diversity of the affected areas of the region referred to in subs. (a) art. 2.

1. Pursuant to s. 11 of the Convention, the affected countries of Asia Parties may agree to hold consultations and cooperate with other Parties, as appropriate, in the development and implementation of subregional or common action programmes, As appropriate, in order to complement the national action programmes and make their implementation more effective. In each case, the Parties concerned may agree jointly to entrust to subregional organizations, including bilateral or national organizations, or to specialized subregional or national institutions, responsibilities The development, coordination and implementation of programs. Such organizations or institutions may also play a liaison role by being responsible for the promotion and coordination of activities to be carried out under s. 16 to 18 of the Convention.

2. In developing and implementing subregional or common action programmes, the affected countries Parties of the region shall, inter alia, as appropriate:

(a)

Identify, in cooperation with national institutions, the priorities for combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought that would be better able to achieve them, as well as activities Appropriate to enable them to carry out effectively;

(b)

Assess the means of action and operational activities of relevant regional, subregional and national institutions;

(c)

Analyse existing programmes relating to desertification and drought that involve all countries in the region or sub-region or some of them as well as their relationship to national programmes of action; and

(d)

Developing, in a spirit of partnership, when international cooperation, including financial and technical resources, is at stake, appropriate bilateral and/or multilateral mechanisms to support the programmes.

3. Sub-regional or common programmes of action may include joint programmes for the sustainable management of transboundary natural resources related to desertification, priorities for coordination And other activities in the field of capacity-building, scientific and technical cooperation, in particular drought early warning systems and information-sharing mechanisms, as well as Strengthen subregional and other organizations or institutions.

Within the framework of regional activities aimed at strengthening subregional or common programmes of action, there may be, inter alia, measures to strengthen institutions and mechanisms for coordination and cooperation in the region. National, subregional and regional levels and to promote the implementation of art. 16 to 19 of the Convention. These activities may also include:

(a)

Promote and strengthen technical cooperation networks;

(b)

To establish inventories of technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices, as well as traditional and local technologies and know-how and to encourage their dissemination and use;

(c)

Assess needs for technology transfer and promote adaptation and use of technology; and

(d)

To encourage public awareness programmes and to promote capacity-building at all levels by intensifying training and research and development activities and by introducing systems to promote Human resources.

Parties, in view of the importance of combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought in the Asian region, promote the mobilization of substantial financial resources and the availability of Financial mechanisms, in accordance with art. 20 and 21 of the Convention.

2. In accordance with the Convention and on the basis of the coordination mechanism provided for in Art. 8 and in accordance with their national development policies, the affected countries Parties of the region, acting individually or collectively:

(a)

Adopt appropriate measures to streamline and strengthen funding mechanisms involving public and private investment in order to achieve concrete results in actions to combat desertification and Mitigating the effects of drought;

(b)

Identify needs in the area of international cooperation, particularly in financial, technical and technological matters, in support of national efforts; and

(c)

Promote the participation of bilateral and/or multilateral financial cooperation institutions in the implementation of the Convention.

3. The Parties shall rationalize, to the extent possible, procedures for the delivery of funds to affected countries Parties in the region.

1. The affected countries Parties, acting through the appropriate bodies designated under s. 1 (a) of Art. 4, and other Parties in the region, may, as appropriate, establish a mechanism for the purposes of, inter alia, the following:

(a)

Exchange of information, experience, knowledge and expertise;

(b)

Cooperation and coordination of actions, including bilateral and multilateral agreements, at the subregional and regional levels;

(c)

Promotion of scientific, technical, technological and financial cooperation in accordance with Art. 5 to 7;

(d)

Identification of external cooperation needs; and

(e)

Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the action programmes.

2. The affected countries Parties, acting through the appropriate bodies designated under s. 1 A ) Of Art. 4, and other Parties in the region may also, as appropriate, hold consultations and ensure coordination of national, subregional and common action programmes. They may associate with this process, as appropriate, other Parties and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The aim of this coordination is, inter alia, to reach an agreement on the possibilities for international cooperation in accordance with Art. 20 and 21 of the Convention, to strengthen technical cooperation and to allocate resources so that they are used effectively.

3. The affected countries Parties of the region shall periodically hold coordination meetings and the Permanent Secretariat may, at their request, pursuant to Art. 23 of the Convention, facilitate the convening of such coordination meetings;

(a)

Providing advice on the organization of effective coordination arrangements, taking advantage of lessons learned from other such arrangements;

(b)

Informing the relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies on coordination meetings and encouraging them to participate actively; and

(c)

Providing other information that may be useful in establishing or improving coordination processes.

The purpose of this annex is to provide general guidance for the implementation of the Convention in the Latin American and Caribbean region, taking into account the special features of the Convention.

The Parties shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, take into account the following characteristics of the region:

(a)

The existence of large, vulnerable and severely affected areas affected by desertification and/or drought, which have heterogeneous characteristics depending on where these phenomena occur; this cumulative process is becoming more and more Marked with negative social, cultural, economic and environmental effects that are all the more serious because, from the perspective of biological diversity, the resources of the region are among the most important in the world;

(b)

Frequent use in areas affected by practices that are incompatible with sustainable development due to the complex interactions between physical, biological, political, social, cultural and economic factors, including factors International economic issues such as external indebtedness, the deterioration of the terms of trade and trade practices that affect the markets for agricultural, fishing and forestry products; and

(c)

A very clear reduction in the productivity of ecosystems, which is the main consequence of desertification and drought and which results in lower yields in agriculture, livestock and forestry, as well as The reduction of biological diversity; from a social point of view, the result is impoverishment, migration, internal displacement and a deterioration in the quality of life; the region will therefore have to address In an integrated manner the problems of desertification and drought by encouraging modes Sustainable development in line with the environmental, economic and social realities of each country.

1. In accordance with the Convention, in particular its art. 9 to 11, and to their national development policy, affected countries Parties in the region develop and implement, as appropriate, national programmes of action to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of desertification. A drought that is an integral part of their sustainable development policy. Subregional and regional programmes can be developed and implemented to meet the needs of the region.

2. In developing their national action programmes, the affected countries Parties in the region pay particular attention to subs. 2 F ) Of Art. 10 of the Convention.

Depending on their situation, affected countries Parties in the region may, inter alia, consider in the context of the preparation of their national strategy to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in Application of s. 5 of the Convention, the following areas of activity:

(a)

Capacity building, public education and awareness, technical, scientific and technological cooperation, and financial resources and mechanisms;

(b)

The eradication of poverty and the improvement of the quality of human life;

(c)

The achievement of food security and sustainable development and management of agricultural, livestock and forestry activities, as well as cross-sectoral activities;

(d)

The sustainable management of natural resources, in particular the rational use of river basins;

(e)

The sustainable management of natural resources in high-altitude areas;

(f)

The rational management and conservation of land resources, and the effective use and use of water resources;

(g)

The development and implementation of contingency plans to mitigate the effects of drought;

(h)

The strengthening and/or implementation in areas subject to desertification and drought of information, assessment and monitoring systems and early warning, taking into account climatological and meteorological factors; Hydrological, biological, pedological, economic and social;

(i)

The development, development and rational use of the various energy sources, including the promotion of alternative energy;

(j)

The conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity;

(k)

Taking into account demographic aspects related to desertification and drought; and

(l)

The establishment or strengthening of institutional and legal frameworks for the implementation of the Convention, including the decentralization of administrative structures and functions related to desertification and drought, The participation of affected communities and society in general.

In accordance with the Convention, in particular its art. 16 to 18, and as part of the coordination mechanism provided for in art. 7 of this annex, the affected countries Parties of the region, acting individually or collectively:

(a)

Promote the strengthening of national, subregional and regional technical cooperation networks and information systems, as well as their integration, as appropriate, in global information sources;

(b)

Draw up an inventory of available technologies and knowledge and promote their dissemination and use;

(c)

Encourage the use of traditional technologies, knowledge, know-how and practices under s. 2 B ) Of Art. 18 of the Convention;

(d)

Identify technology transfer requirements; and

(e)

Work towards the development, adaptation, adoption and transfer of environmentally sound new technologies.

In accordance with the Convention, in particular its art. 20 and 21, as part of the coordination mechanism provided for in Art. 7 and in accordance with their national development policies, the affected countries Parties of the region, acting individually or collectively:

(a)

Adopt measures to rationalize and strengthen funding mechanisms involving public and private investment in order to achieve concrete results in the efforts to combat desertification and mitigate Effects of drought;

(b)

Identify needs in the area of international cooperation to support national efforts; and

(c)

Promote the participation of bilateral and/or multilateral financial cooperation organizations in the implementation of the Convention.

1. In order to give effect to this Annex, the affected countries Parties of the region:

(a)

Establish and/or strengthen national focal points to coordinate actions to combat desertification and/or mitigate the effects of drought; and

(b)

Establish a mechanism for the coordination of national focal points with the following objectives:

(i)

The exchange of information and experience,

(ii)

Coordination of activities at the subregional and regional levels,

(iii)

The promotion of technical, scientific, technological and financial cooperation,

(iv)

Identification of external cooperation needs, and

(v)

Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the action programmes.

2. The affected countries Parties of the region shall periodically hold coordination meetings and the Permanent Secretariat may, at their request, pursuant to Art. 23 of the Convention, facilitate the convening of such coordination meetings by:

(a)

Providing advice on the organization of effective coordination arrangements, taking advantage of lessons learned from other such arrangements;

(b)

Providing information to relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies on coordination meetings and encouraging them to participate actively; and

(c)

Providing other information that may be useful in establishing or improving coordination processes.

The purpose of this Annex is to provide guidelines and to indicate the arrangements for the effective implementation of the Convention in the affected countries Parties in the Northern Mediterranean region taking into account the Characteristics of the latter.

The particularities of the northern Mediterranean area mentioned in art. 1 includes the following:

(a)

Semi-arid climatic conditions affecting vast expanses, seasonal droughts, very high variability in the rainfall regime and sudden and very violent falls in rainfall;

(b)

Soils that are poor and sensitive to erosion, subject to the formation of surface crusts;

(c)

Uneven terrain with a wide range of slopes and varied landscapes;

(d)

Significant losses in forest cover due to repeated forest fires;

(e)

A crisis of traditional agriculture, marked by the abandonment of land and the deterioration of soil and water protection structures;

(f)

Unsustainable exploitation of water resources leading to serious environmental damage, including chemical pollution, salinization and depletion of aquifers; and

(g)

A concentration of economic activity in coastal areas due to the development of urbanisation, industrial activities, tourism and irrigated agriculture.

1. The national action programmes are an integral part of the strategic planning framework for the sustainable development of the Northern Mediterranean Parties and are an essential element.

2. A consultative and participatory process, involving the public authorities at the appropriate levels, local authorities and non-governmental organizations, is engaged to provide guidance on the strategy to be applied, Flexible planning to allow for optimal participation at the local level, in accordance with subs. 2 F ) Of Art. 10 of the Convention.

Affected countries Parties in the Northern Mediterranean region will develop national action programmes and, where appropriate, subregional, regional or joint action programmes. The development of these programs will be completed as soon as possible.

To develop and implement national action programmes under art. 9 and 10 of the Convention, each affected country Part of the region shall in particular, as appropriate:

(a)

Designate appropriate bodies for the development, coordination and delivery of its programme;

(b)

Involving affected populations, including local communities, in the development, coordination and implementation of the programme through a local consultation process, with the cooperation of local authorities and organisations Competent non-government;

(c)

To study the state of the environment in the affected areas in order to analyse the causes and consequences of desertification and to identify priority areas for action;

(d)

Assess, with the participation of affected populations, previous and ongoing programmes to devise a strategy and develop the activities to be included in the action programme;

(e)

Establish technical and financial programs based on information collected through the activities described in s. (a) to (d); and

(f)

Develop and implement procedures and benchmarks to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the program.

The affected countries Parties of the region may provide in their national action programmes measures relating to:

(a)

Legislative, institutional and administrative areas;

(b)

Land use patterns, water resource management, soil conservation, forestry, agricultural activities, and pasture and rangeland development;

(c)

The management and conservation of fauna and flora and other forms of biodiversity;

(d)

Protection from forest fires;

(e)

The promotion of alternative livelihoods; and

(f)

Research, training and public awareness.

1. Affected countries Parties in the region may, in accordance with Art. 11 of the Convention, develop and implement a subregional and/or regional programme of action to complement and make more effective national programmes of action. Two or more Parties in the sub-region may agree to develop a joint action plan.

2. The provisions of s. 5 and 6 apply Mutatis mutandis The development and implementation of subregional, regional and joint action programmes. In addition, these programmes may include research and development activities concerning certain ecosystems in the affected areas.

3. In developing and implementing subregional, regional or joint action programmes, the affected countries Parties of the region shall, as appropriate;

(a)

To identify, in collaboration with national institutions, the national objectives for combating desertification that would be better able to achieve these programmes, as well as the activities to be carried out by them Effectively;

(b)

Assess the capacities and operational activities of relevant regional, subregional and national institutions; and

(c)

To analyse existing desertification programmes common to Parties in the region and their relationship to national programmes of action.

The affected countries Parties developing a subregional, regional or joint action programme may establish a coordination committee composed of representatives from each affected country Parties to review progress in the fight against desertification, Harmonize national action programmes, make recommendations at different stages of development and implementation of subregional, regional or joint programmes, and serve as focal points for coordination and Promotion of technical cooperation in application of art. 16 to 19 of the Convention.

The affected developed countries Parties of the region are not entitled to financial assistance for the implementation of national, subregional, regional and joint programmes under this Convention.

The sub-regional, regional and joint action programmes of the Northern Mediterranean region can be developed and implemented in collaboration with those of the other subregions or regions, in particular those in the sub-region of North Africa.