(Thursday 22nd October 2009 Issue)
A two-man delegation comprising Mr. Jatto Sillah, the Director of Forestry and Ebrima Darboe, Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Forestry and Environment recently returned home after attending a conference on the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification held in Argentina.
Speaking in an interview with our reporter shortly after their return, Mr. Sillah, the Focal Point for UNCCD, said the conference of parties was a special session that commenced with the implementation of the ten-year strategic plan and framework 2008- 2018. He stated that the objective of the conference was to discuss issues that facilitate the proper implementation of the convention to alleviate land degradation, and thus poverty in affected country parties. Mr. Sillah revealed that the conference was attended by 105 country parties, parliamentarians from 40 member countries, international organisation and civil society.
According to Mr. Sillah, up to date 193 countries have signed and ratified the UNCCD as parties. He stated that the conference of parties is the highest decision-making power, adding that the contents of the recommendation reflect the views and suggestions.
Mr. Sillah added that the conference of parties was focused on the review of the implementation of a ten-year strategic plan and framework.
