UNCCD: Its implementation in Namibia
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1. The UNCCD aims to combat desertification and mitigate drought effects through long-term strategies. Namibia developed NAPCOD to implement the UNCCD domestically. 2. NAPCOD focused on research, capacity building, education, regional cooperation, and drought preparedness. It enjoyed participation and support but lacked consistent funding after 2004. 3. While NAPCOD made progress in public awareness and partnerships, Namibia still faces challenges in fully implementing the UNCCD through legislation and prioritizing combating desertification.
UNCCD: Its implementation in Namibia
- 1. UNCCD:UNCCD: Its Implementation inIts Implementation in NamibiaNamibia By Justine Braby
- 2. WHAT IS DESERTIFICATION?WHAT IS DESERTIFICATION? “…means land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities” (UNCCD, Article 1(a)) Land Degradation meaning the loss of biological or economic productivity in various areas (e.g. woodland) from a process or combination of processes, including processes arising from anthropogenic activity, such as Soil erosion caused by wind or water Deterioration of the chemical, physical and biological components of the soil Long-term loss of natural vegetation
- 3. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in countries experiencing drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa 1. Problem 2. Background 3. Formalities 4. Objectives 5. Modalities 6. Institutions 7. Related Conventions 8. Potential benefits from becoming a party
- 4. PROBLEM
- 5. BACKGROUND: The road to Paris Sahelian Drought and famine 1968- 1974 200 000 people and millions of animals died Plan of Action to Combat Desertification 1977 Lack of sufficient financial aid and coordination among countries 1992 Earth Summit: African Countries insist that proper attention should be given to desertification World’s leaders agreed in Agenda 21 to call on the UN General Assembly to set up convention Convention open for signing 1994
- 6. Objectives 1. Combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought 2. Long-term integration strategies Improved productivity of land Rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources
- 7. Formalities Open for signature 14- 15 October 1994 in Paris Entry into force 90th day after deposit of 50th Instrument 1-4th COP every year, after every two years Headquarters in Bonn, Germany Historic Haus Carstanjen, Bonn, and its park located near the River Rhine. Seat of the United Nations in Germany.
- 8. Modalities Common obligations of states cooperation, transfer of knowledge, research, info and technology; capacity and awareness building, integrated approach to combating desertification Affected countries prepare action programmes Developed countries provide financial resources and facilitate access to technology and know-how Report back on measures of convention, progress reports on their action programmes
- 9. INSTITUTIONS Global Mechanism Committee on Science and Technology
- 10. Related Conventions UNFCCC, CBD Encourage joint programmes in research, training, information collection and exchange
- 11. Potential Benefits Allow a state to 1. Show solidarity with affected countries in facing urgent and growing issue of global dimensions, 2. Benefit from cooperation in designing and implementing its own programmes 3. Improve access to relevant data and technology 4. Nominate scientists on the roster of experts (CST)
- 12. NAMIBIA Namibia’s Programme to Combat Desertification (NAPCOD)
- 13. Introduction Namibia most arid country south of Sahara 70% dependant on subsistence farming Difficult climatic conditions and human induced impacts Napcod collaborative effort between MAWRD and MET (started by DEA)
- 14. Objectives 1. Research 2. Capacity-building 3. Education and awareness re SM 4. Cooperation with SADC countries 5. Drought preparedness
- 15. Napcod Process Phase 1: 1994 Broad Consultation and National Workshop Phase 2: 1995-1999 Setting up structures for implementation (planning for Phase 3) Phase 3: 1999-2004 Setting up structures for implementation
- 16. FUNDING Gesellschaft fuer technische Zusammenarbeit (GZN)- N$ 6 million over period of four years Small grants from private sector Possible support from GEF
- 18. Communications and public awareness generation FIRM Partners and information flow Indicators Education and training
- 19. Legislation Namibia’s Policy to Combat Desertification (1994) N’s Env Assessment Policy (1995) Draft Environmental Management Act (1999) Many principles of CCD included Policies, while formulated and approved by parliament, are not implemented, are not backed by legislation or regulations
- 20. PROBLEMS As of 2004 – no funding… Napcod not formally accepted by government as a NAP Did not follow UNCCD guidelines Slow movement in enacting new legislation Combating desertification is often viewed by decision- makers as merely an ‘environmental’ issue that does not deserve high priority
- 21. Positives Napcod very broad and effective participation, community level Enjoyed support and involvement from government ministries, and acceptance by UNCCD Good working relationship between NGOs and government Gobabeb
- 22. His Excellency Hama A Diallo: “Namibia has made commendable efforts in the management of its natural resources at community, as well as national level. This is what the UNCCD and its partners, UNDP, UNEP, FAO, African Development Bank and World Bank wanted to see. Namibia’s experiences are quite useful to all its neighbours.”