§ 13. Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to combat the spread of desertification. [46877]
§ Clare ShortThere are close links between poverty and the problems of desertification and land degradation as poor people are forced to try to eke a living on marginal lands. Actions to address desertification and land206W degradation are a priority for the UK as part of our aim to create sustainable livelihoods for poor people. We are also working for implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification. In 1997–98, the UK committed over £27 million to projects to address desertification and land degradation.