Statement at the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties

Geneva, 1-12 October 2001

This meeting takes place at a time when the global community has become acutely aware of the meaning of vulnerability– of mankind, of systems of economic and political power, and of relationships. No discussion about our common future can overlook our common vulnerability.

Coping with vulnerability is nothing new for people living at the margins. To combat desertification has to do with respecting the margins, both for people and for nature. Therefore this meeting is deeply relevant for the situation within which we now find ourselves.

International co-operation can not go on with business as usual. Recognising our shared vulnerability makes partnerships, alliances and coalitions the most critical resource. It means developing the skills to listen – across traditional divides.

There is no doubt that the single-most important threat to sustainable development and global stability is poverty and the widening gap between the rich and the desperately poor. This is not only a threat to poor nations, but clearly also to those regarded as wealthy. The instability, conflict, disease and environmental degradation associated with poverty threaten the overall social and economic development of our planet, including international peace and security. We have known it for a long time. Now it is a knowledge that demands change. In the way we communicate and in the way we negotiate.

What does it mean for the Convention to Combat Desertification? Desertification threatens the livelihoods and economic development of as many as 1 billion people worldwide, particularly in Africa. Implementation of this Convention offers a powerful tool for helping to eradicate pervasive poverty. Its framework for addressing both the environmental and the poverty problem in a holistic and integrated manner is essential. Its bottom up approach and focus on active involvement and participation by all sectors of society, including the private sector, NGOs and the local people is of fundamental importance.

Mr President, I believe that this Convention is a tool for the kind of new alliances we now need. The new context mean a new imperative for implementation.

Safeguarding the productivity of the dryland ecosystems is of primary importance for securing sustainable livelihoods for the people living there. It is also an important measure for mitigating massive migration and displacement of people. We see it in Afghanistan. Although complex, the humanitarian crisis there is exacerbated by drought and desertification. The issues facing us are linked and demand solutions. Sticking band aid on symptoms is not a way forward – if our aim is coping with vulnerability and reducing poverty.

We have noted worldwide mobilisation of affected country parties to combat desertification. National and regional action programmes adopted in most countries provide important starting points. Real progress will depend on effective implementation. These commitments demonstrated by developing countries need to be matched by strong commitment from the international community.

The comprehensive review of the implementation of the convention has provided valuable information on needs, obstacles and constraints. This is where we now need to focus action:

We need to address linkages. Between national development frameworks, poverty reduction strategies and action programmes to combat desertification, such as illustrated by the case of Mozambique. We need focussed action, but cannot afford fragmentation. Integration of local and transferred technologies must have high priority, with capacity building and information sharing at the core. And with heavy emphasis on the local level, to ensure meaningful participation by the stakeholders that are most important.

For this Convention, a critical challenge is effective financing. The CCD not only deals with land and people at the margins, but has also been placed at the margins in terms of resources. Whether the designation of land degradation as a GEF focal area will make a difference is too early to say. GEF is now an instrument in rapid development. We need to make sure that instruments and architecture serve implementation. So far we have failed to deliver.

In the current situation, the risk of diversion of attention and focus, away from the agenda for fighting poverty and dealing with the post Rio agenda, is real. Yet, the effects of sept 11 ^th> can also be turned into new possibilities for "joint up" action for poverty reduction. Our agenda must be comprehensive if it is to overcome the distrust and the fear that is now so real for so many. The Conference on Finance for Development in Mexico next year provides us with the opportunity to deal with the broad challenges of development and the Milennium Goals. Before then, the expectations of the WTO in Doha need to be met.

One year from now, The World Summit on Sustainable Development will take place in Johannesburg. Eradication of poverty as the key to sustainable development will be in focus. Johannesburg will demonstrate if we have succeeded in taking some real steps forward.

A clear message should come from this conference that implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification is the most important tool we have for addressing poverty and promote sustainable development in dryland areas. Now, on the way to Johannesburg is the window of opportunity. Accountability for action on what we have already agreed, must be part of the response. This includes acting on the kind of tools we need, such as the committee to review the implementation of the Convention.

We should also confirm our intention to contribute towards the strengthening of the international environmental governance by improved partnership and cooperation with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements and agencies.

Finally I would like to assure you Mr. President that Norway will continue to make every effort to participate and contribute to the successful implementation of this convention, including financing. I am happy to inform this conference that in the budget proposal, support to the implementation of the Convention is given higher priority in Norwegian development co-operation next year. We want to be an accountable and predictable partner.

Thank you Mr. President