Down to earth: a simplified guide to the Convention to Combat Desertification, why it is necessary and what is important and differenct about it

Abstract

The people most severely affected by desertification are among the world's poorest. The convention has the potential to reduce the vulnerability of affected populations by securing their environment, increasing food security and creating new opportunities for alternative livelihoods. Successful implementation of the Convention would improve living conditions and reduce poverty while also helping to alleviate related problems such as migration, loss of plant and animal species, climate change and the need for emergency aid to populations in crisis.