50th plenary meeting

29 July 1982

Implementation in the Sudano-Sahelian region of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, particularly Assembly resolutions 34/187 of 18 December 1979, 35/72 of 5 December 1980 and 36/190 of 17 December 1981 and Council resolution 1981/72 of 24 July 1981,

Recalling also decision 10/18 of 31 May 1982 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme and decision 82/26 of 18 June 1982 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme,

Reiterating its concern about the seriousness of desertification in the Sudano-Sahelian region and the persistent critical situations resulting from it which hamper the economic and social development of the countries of the region,

Having considered the report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on the implementation in the Sudano-Sahelian region of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification, and the report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its tenth session,

1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on the implementation in the Sudano-Sahelian region of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification;

2. Expresses its satisfaction at the progress made by the United Nations Sudano-Sahelian Office, on behalf of the United Nations Environment Programme, in assisting the countries of the Sudano-Sahelian region in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification in a joint venture between the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Development Programme;

3. Welcomes the decisions of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme on the further continuation of the joint venture of the two Programmes, aimed at ensuring the timely and effective provision of assistance to the group of designated countries by the United Nations Sudano-Sahelian Office, on behalf of the United Nations Environment Programme, in combating desertification in the Sudano-Sahelian region;

4. Expresses its gratitude to the Governments, agencies of the United Nations system and intergovernmental organizations that are contributing to the implementation in the Sudano-Sahelian region of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification;

5. Strongly urges all Governments to intensify their asssistance in response to the priority requirements of the countries of the Sudano-Sahelian region in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification.