The central commitment within the ICD is preparation of National Action Programmes to combat desertification, building on existing environmental plans and strategies where possible. Making planning work While the ICD text provides a challenging series of commitments, phrased in excellent rhetoric, careful thought is needed to ensure that such rhetoric is carried through into practice. A close look at past experience shows that many a well-laid plan brings poor results, for a variety of reasons. If the Desertification Convention is to bear fruit, the governments of affected countries must be convinced of the need for National Action Plans, and their preparation through consultation and participation. This will only happen if governments, donors, NGOs, and ordinary people have more information about the Convention and the opportunities presented by this agreement.
Important questions remain concerning the implementation of the Desertification Convention.
Finding the EU role The EC and its Member States have historically been the largest source of development finance to combat desertification, particularly in Africa. It is now almost ten years since the launch of the European Action Plan to Combat Desertification. The ICD provides a challenging strategic agenda for how the Community could support the sustainable management of drylands, particularly in the next phase of the Lom Convention. European policymakers now need to assess the implications of the ICD for future aid programming. She is also a Member of the International Panel of Experts on Desertification established by the United Nations to advise the negotiations of the International Convention to combat Desertification.