Decision 14/COP.8

Networking of institutions, agencies and bodies

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling article 25 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),

Recalling also its decisions 23/COP.1, 17/COP.2, 13/COP.3, 17/COP.4 and 13/COP.5,

Bearing in mind the usefulness of the networking of institutions, agencies and bodies,

Recognizing the efforts made by the United Nations Environment Programme and members of its consortium in this respect,

Noting the pertinence of the recommendations made by the Group of Experts for a stronger role for scientific institutions and specialized networks in UNCCD activities,

Noting also the need to mobilize scientific and technical competencies to solve the problems of land degradation,

Bearing in mind the 10-year strategic plan and framework to enhance the implementation of the Convention (2008–2018) referred to in decision 3/COP.8, and in particular its operational objective 3.3 on science, technology and knowledge, and proposed outcome 3.6 which states that science and technology networks and institutions relevant to desertification and drought should be engaged to support UNCCD implementation,

1. Requests the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) Bureau, in collaboration with the lead institution or consortium selected to co-organize the next CST scientific meeting, to link with networks, institutions, agencies and bodies to address the thematic priority;

2. Further requests the CST Bureau, in collaboration with the lead institution or consortium
selected to co-organize the next CST scientific meeting, to include the non-governmental organizations and other civil society stakeholders in the network, in line with the participatory approach recommended for combating desertification.