United Nations convention to combat Desertification (UNCCD)

United Nations convention to combat Desertification (UNCCD)

The convention came into effect in 1997 and all member countries affected by the problem of desertification have an obligation to prepare an action plan to address all issues concerning desertification and drought. 

Eradication of poverty is key concern in dry lands; hence, it is important to protect the land form deforestation, fragmentation, degradation and drought that could exacerbate the vulnerabilities of the population in these areas. 

India has been designated as the host country by the UNCCD for the Asian Regional Action Programme on Agro forestry and soil Conservation, under the 

Thematic Network Programme (TPN). This network facilitates cooperation between countries with respect to combating desertification and associated efforts towards joint forestry management. Including forestry in the arid and semi-arid regions. 

Two national level institutes, namely Arid Forest Research institute (AFRI ) and Central Arid Zone Research institute (CAZRI) located in Jodhpur, are engaged in development and dissemination of appropriate technologies for the arid and semi- arid areas of the country.