ratify or accede to the Protocol, so as toensure its entry into force at the earliest possible opportunity. Weacknowledge the role of access and benefit-sharing arising from theutilization of genetic resources in contributing to the conservationand sustainable use of biological diversity, poverty eradication andenvironmental sustainability.200.We welcome the Strategy for Resource Mobilization in support of theachievement of the Convention on Biological Diversity's threeobjectives, including the commitment to substantially increasingresources from all sources in support of biodiversity, in accordancewith decisions taken at the Tenth Conference of the Parties.201.We support mainstreaming the consideration of the socio-economicimpacts and benefits of the conservation and sustainable use ofbiodiversity and its components, as well as ecosystems that provideessential services, into relevant programmes and policies at alllevels, in accordance with national legislation, circumstances andpriorities. We encourage investments, through appropriate incentivesand policies, which support the conservation and sustainable use ofbiological diversity and restoration of degraded ecosystems,consistent and in harmony with the Convention and other relevantinternational obligations.202.We agree to promote international cooperation, and partnerships, asappropriate, and information exchange, and in this context we welcomethe United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 for the purposeof encouraging active involvement of all stakeholders in theconservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, as well as accessto and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from theutilization of genetic resources, with the vision of living inharmony with nature.203.We recognize the important role of CITES (the Convention onInternational Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora),an international agreement that stands at the intersection betweentrade, environment and development; promotes the conservation andsustainable use of biodiversity; should contribute to tangiblebenefits for local people; and ensures that no species entering intointernational trade is threatened with extinction. We recognize theeconomic, social and environmental impacts of illicit trafficking inwildlife where firm and strengthened action needs to be taken on boththe supply and demand sides. In this regard, we emphasize theimportance of effective international cooperation among relevantmultilateral environmental agreements and internationalorganizations. We further stress the importance of basing the listingof species on agreed criteria.204.We take note of the establishment of the IntergovernmentalScience-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, andinvite an early commencement of its work, in order to provide thebest available policy-relevant information on biodiversity to assistdecision-makers.Desertification,land degradation and drought205.We recognize the economic and social significance of good landmanagement, including soil, particularly its contribution to economicgrowth, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and food security,eradicating poverty, womens empowerment, addressing climate changeand improving water availability. We stress that desertification,land degradation, and drought are challenges of a global dimensionand continue to pose serious challenges to the sustainabledevelopment of all countries, in particular developing countries. Wealso stress the particular challenges this poses for Africa, and LDCsand LLDCs. In this regard, we express deep concern for thedevastating consequences of cyclical drought and famine in Africa, inparticular in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region, and call forurgent action through short-, medium- and long-term measures at alllevels.206.We recognize the need for urgent action to reverse land degradation.In view of this we will strive to achieve a land degradation neutralworld in the context of sustainable development. This should act tocatalyze financial resources