§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on trends in global desertification. [139142]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe problem of desertification is becoming increasingly widespread and acute. It is estimated that dry land areas in some 100 countries are prone to desertification. Its occurrence is exacerbated by the effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is the principal international mechanism for addressing desertification in affected countries. The effects of desertification are felt most acutely in African states, a fact recognised in the objectives of the Convention.
We are concerned by problems of desertification and land degradation, since they are closely related to issues of poverty. To be effective, it is very important that actions to address desertification and land degradation are integrated into the sustainable development plans of affected countries. The latest UK report on activities in support of the Convention to Combat Desertification will be presented to the Fourth Conference of the Parties to the Convention in Bonn in December, which I hope to attend. Copies of the report will be deposited in the House of Commons Library on publication.