Chair Bo Kjell'n informed delegates that the session was intended to show what has been done in response to the resolution on urgent action for Africa and where partnership arrangements have evolved. The IS should also raise public awareness. A Maghreb regional action programme should be finalized soon. Thus, he has been authorized to sign the Convention.
Turkey belongs to the Northern Mediterranean region.
Action has also been taken at the national level to fully understand the problems of desertification, through the convening of forums and seminars. Ratification of the Convention will be considered by the National Assembly by February 1995. Through the coordination of this secretariat, a broadbased committee of NGOs, governmental and other leaders has been formed. A public awareness campaign is underway and seminars for politicians and policymakers on the implementation of this Convention are planned. Planned activities include a scientist assistance programme, with particular emphasis on building forest research capacities of young forestry scientists in developing countries.