The immense global importance of the UNCCD

A message of support from Soil Conservation Service of Iceland

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is of vital importance for securing continued ecosystem services, food for growing populations, and global stability. It is the best forum we have for seeking joint solutions and the UNCCD guided Action Plans are showing promising signs of our ability to conquer the destructive forces.

Iceland is one of the many countries fighting desertification. During the last millennium it has lost 50% of its vegetation and 95% of the tree cover. Barren deserts have replaced vegetation and thick soils in spite of ample precipitation. Since 1907, Iceland has gained immense experience in combating land degradation and desertification, revegetation of eroded land and ecosystem restoration.

The global severity of land degradation and desertification means that the UNCCD has an essential role in securing the well being of mankind in the future. But making action plans is not enough. The more affluent countries of the World must increase their efforts to assist countries in need in the implementation of these plans. Our common future depends on common solutions.

Sveinn Runolfsson
Director : Soil Conservation Service of Iceland
Web site: www.land.is