The U.N. General Assembly had proclaimed an International Decade on Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification (2010-2020). The aim of the Decade was to promote efforts to arrest the spread of deserts and desert-like conditions worldwide.
Desertification is a plague which upsets the traditional balance between people and the socio-economic system by which they live. Because desertification disturbs a region's natural resource base, desertification leads to insecurity and in some cases to violence. The violence in Darfur province of Sudan, and in the Sahel states of West Africa are largely linked to the persistent drought and the advance of the desert.
Thus, water can be seen as a potential source of conflicts. In the light of climate changes, the peaceful management of water systems is increasingly urgent. There is a need to create legal frameworks for equitable, peaceful and sustainable water management.
Drought, erosion, and advancing desertification are becoming major problems. In many areas, there are shrinking water tables. Water is being pumped and consumed faster than the acquifers can be re-charged through natural mechanisms. One region's water problems can have implications well beyond its borders.
In many cases, the disposal of untreated waste water and hazardous wastes from industry pose a severe threat to groundwater quality. The International Decade on Deserts and Desertification helped to raise awareness of the issues, but the challenges remain. It is necessary to secure public commitment to wise water use and ecologically-sound development. There are many different aspects to this protection of biodiversity, measures which need to be undertaken within the U.N. system, by national governments, and by local authorities. Individual action is necessary and vitally important. Join in this crucial effort.
René Wadlow, Association of World Citizens
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