unccd: its implementation in namibia
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A short presentation on the UNCCD and its implementation in Namibia as NAPCOD.TRANSCRIPT
UNCCD:UNCCD:Its Implementation in Its Implementation in
NamibiaNamibia
By Justine Braby
WHAT IS DESERTIFICATION?WHAT IS DESERTIFICATION?
“…means land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities” (UNCCD, Article 1(a))
Land Degradation meaning the loss of biological or economic productivity in various areas (e.g. woodland) from a process or combination of processes, including processes arising from anthropogenic activity, such as
Soil erosion caused by wind or water Deterioration of the chemical, physical and biological components of the soil Long-term loss of natural vegetation
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in countries
experiencing drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa
1. Problem
2. Background
3. Formalities
4. Objectives
5. Modalities
6. Institutions
7. Related Conventions
8. Potential benefits from becoming a party
PROBLEM
BACKGROUND: The road to Paris
Sahelian Drought and famine 1968- 1974 200 000 people and millions of animals died
Plan of Action to Combat Desertification 1977 Lack of sufficient financial aid and coordination among countries 1992 Earth Summit: African Countries insist that proper attention
should be given to desertification World’s leaders agreed in Agenda 21 to call on the UN General
Assembly to set up convention Convention open for signing 1994
Objectives1. Combat desertification and mitigate the
effects of drought
2. Long-term integration strategies Improved productivity of land Rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of
land and water resources
Formalities
Open for signature 14- 15 October 1994 in Paris
Entry into force 90th day after deposit of 50th Instrument
1-4th COP every year, after every two years
Headquarters in Bonn, Germany
Historic Haus Carstanjen, Bonn, and its park located near the River Rhine. Seat of the United Nations in Germany.
Modalities
Common obligations of states cooperation, transfer of knowledge, research, info and technology; capacity and awareness building, integrated approach to combating desertification
Affected countries prepare action programmes Developed countries provide financial resources and
facilitate access to technology and know-how Report back on measures of convention, progress reports
on their action programmes
INSTITUTIONS Global
Mechanism
Committee on Science and Technology
Related Conventions
UNFCCC, CBDEncourage joint programmes in
research, training, information collection and exchange
Potential Benefits
Allow a state to1. Show solidarity with affected countries in
facing urgent and growing issue of global dimensions,
2. Benefit from cooperation in designing and implementing its own programmes
3. Improve access to relevant data and technology
4. Nominate scientists on the roster of experts (CST)
NAMIBIA
Namibia’s Programme to Combat Desertification
(NAPCOD)
Introduction
Namibia most arid country south of Sahara
70% dependant on subsistence farming
Difficult climatic conditions and human induced impacts
Napcod collaborative effort between MAWRD and MET (started by DEA)
Objectives
1. Research
2. Capacity-building
3. Education and awareness re SM
4. Cooperation with SADC countries
5. Drought preparedness
Napcod Process
Phase 1: 1994 Broad Consultation and National Workshop
Phase 2: 1995-1999 Setting up structures for implementation (planning for Phase 3)
Phase 3: 1999-2004 Setting up structures for implementation
FUNDING Gesellschaft fuer
technische Zusammenarbeit (GZN)- N$ 6 million over period of four years
Small grants from private sector
Possible support from GEF
Programmes and Success
Communications and public awareness generation
FIRM Partners and information flow Indicators Education and training
Legislation Namibia’s Policy to Combat Desertification
(1994) N’s Env Assessment Policy (1995) Draft Environmental Management Act (1999) Many principles of CCD included Policies, while formulated and approved by
parliament, are not implemented, are not backed by legislation or regulations
PROBLEMS As of 2004 – no funding… Napcod not formally accepted
by government as a NAP Did not follow UNCCD
guidelines Slow movement in enacting
new legislation Combating desertification is
often viewed by decision-makers as merely an ‘environmental’ issue that does not deserve high priority
Positives Napcod very broad and
effective participation, community level
Enjoyed support and involvement from government ministries, and acceptance by UNCCD
Good working relationship between NGOs and government
Gobabeb
His Excellency Hama A Diallo: “Namibia has made commendable efforts in the management of its natural resources at community, as
well as national level. This is what the UNCCD and its partners, UNDP, UNEP, FAO, African Development Bank and World Bank
wanted to see. Namibia’s experiences are quite useful to all its neighbours.”