The perilous effects of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) on humans are becoming more and more apparent. To tackle the mounting challenge of DLDD-induced migration and vulnerability, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and United Nations University (UNU) signed a memorandum of understanding in November  to combine resources and undertake a joint work plan over a two-year period starting in 2009.

Experts say that, over the next decade, severe desertification could force the migration of some 50 million people. Affected countries will suffer the loss of knowledgeable farmers, who either will flee to cities that already have reached their social and economic limits, or move to third countries where they may be forced to live on the fringe of society.

“Parties of the Convention have asked for more science to address this and similar issues. For this there is no
better partner than the UNU, ” said UNCCD Executive Secretary Luc Gnacadja at the signing ceremony in Bonn.

UNU Rector Konrad Osterwalder noted that the UNU  is intensifying its studies on this global problem, which must be addressed on a global scale. “UNCCD’s broad network of national and international partners will help our research”, he said. “Cooperation here will benefit those who experience some of the harshest environmental conditions, that of living in drylands that are vulnerable to degradation, and who, when itworsens even just a bit, are subjected to unparalleled challenges and forced to migrate.”

A preliminary policy position paper will be presented at the 17th meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development in May 2009. This will be followed by a joint publication for policy, which will be prepared by October 2009 for the ninth session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties.