2000 UNEP News Release. For use as information. Not an official record.
Desertification is much more than a curious scientific problem.
At issue is the continuing human impact for millions of desperate people facing hunger and despair. Clearly, the undermining of the livelihood of an already impoverished land dependent people is desertification's most obvious consequence and its close linkage with poverty its most visible illustration. One billion people are at risk. More than five years ago, Heads of State attending the Earth Summit called for urgent action on sustainable development and preservation of our natural resources. This historical first Conference of Parties provides us with the opportunity, and the responsibility, to answer that urgent call for action.