Strengthening international programmes to combat drought

Description

Strengthening international programmes to combat drought involves coordinating cross-border efforts to monitor, prevent, and mitigate drought impacts. This strategy prioritizes sharing data, technology, and best practices; mobilizing financial and technical resources; and supporting vulnerable regions through early warning systems and emergency response. By fostering collaboration among governments, agencies, and communities, these programmes aim to reduce water scarcity, safeguard food security, and build resilience against future droughts, directly addressing the challenges of climate variability and resource management.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Agenda 21 recommends strengthening regional programmes and international cooperation, such as the Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), the Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development (IGADD), the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), the Arab Maghreb Union and other regional organizations, as well as such organizations as the Sahara and Sahel Observatory.