* Information, Data and Communication in Agenda 21 *
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Information, Data and Communication in Agenda 21

Chapter 12:
Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Combating Desertification And Drought
4. (a) Strengthening the knowledge base and developing information and monitoring systems for regions prone to desertification and drought, including the economic and social aspects of these ecosystems; [Chapter 12, Para 4 (a)]

A. Strengthening the knowledge base and developing informationand monitoring systems for regions prone to desertification and drought, including the economic and social aspects of these ecosystems [Chapter 12, Section A.]

5. The global assessments of the status and rate of desertification conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1977, 1984 and 1991 have revealed insufficient basic knowledge of desertification processes. Adequate world-wide systematic observation systems are helpful for the development and implementation of effective anti-desertification programmes. The capacity of existing international, regional and national institutions, particularly in developing countries, to generate and exchange relevant information is limited. An integrated and coordinated information and systematic observation system based on appropriate technology and embracing global, regional, national and local levels is essential for understanding the dynamics of desertification and drought processes. It is also important for developing adequate measures to deal with desertification and drought and improving socio-economic conditions. [Chapter 12, Para 5]

6. (a) To promote the establishment and/or strengthening of national environmental information coordination centres that will act as focal points within Governments for sectoral ministries and provide the necessary standardization and back-up services; to ensure also that national environmental information systems on desertification and drought are linked together through a network at subregional, regional and interregional levels; [Chapter 12, Para 6 (a)]

7. (a) Establish and/or strengthen environmental information systems at the national level; [Chapter 12, Para 7 (a)]

7. (b) Strengthen national, state/provincial and local assessment and ensure cooperation/networking between existing environmental information and monitoring systems, such as Earthwatch and the Sahara and Sahel Observatory; [Chapter 12, Para 7 (b)]

7. (c) Strengthen the capacity of national institutions to analyse environmental data so that ecological change can be monitored and environmental information obtained on a continuing basis at the national level. [Chapter 12, Para 7 (c)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 12, Section A. (b)]

9. (a) Support the integrated data collection and research work of programmes related to desertification and drought problems; [Chapter 12, Para 9 (a)]

9. (b) Support national, regional and global programmes for integrated data collection and research networks carrying out assessment of soil and land degradation; [Chapter 12, Para 9 (b)]

9. (c) Strengthen national and regional meteorological and hydrological networks and monitoring systems to ensure adequate collection of basic information and communication among national, regional and international centres. [Chapter 12, Para 9 (c)]

10. (b) Establish and/or develop a comprehensive desertification, land degradation and human condition database component that incorporates both physical and socio-economic parameters. This should be based on existing and, where necessary, additional facilities, such as those of Earthwatch and other information systems of international, regional and national institutions strengthened for this purpose; [Chapter 12, Para 10 (b)]

12. (b) Develop integrated information systems for environmental monitoring, accounting and impact assessment; [Chapter 12, Para 12 (b)]

14. (b) Promote the involvement of the local population, particularly women and youth, in the collection and utilization of environmental information through education and awareness-building. [Chapter 12, Para 14 (b)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 12, Section B. (b)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 12, Section C. (b)]

29. (c) Disseminate information on technical packages adapted to the social, economic and ecological conditions of each; [Chapter 12, Para 29 (c)]

29. (d) Promote exchange and sharing of information concerning the development of alternative livelihoods with other agro-ecological regions. [Chapter 12, Para 29 (d)]

30. (a) Promote cooperation and exchange of information among the arid and semi-arid land research institutions concerning techniques and technologies to improve land and labour productivity, as well as viable production systems; [Chapter 12, Para 30 (a)]

32. (b) Facilitate regular national, regional and interregional communication on and exchange of information and experience between extension officers and researchers; [Chapter 12, Para 32 (b)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 12, Section D. (b)]

38. Governments at the appropriate level, and with the support of the relevant international and regional organizations, should promote information exchange and cooperation with respect to national planning and programming among affected countries, inter alia, through networking. [Chapter 12, Para 38]

47. (b) To strengthen the flow of early-warning information to decision makers and land users to enable nations to implement strategies for drought intervention; [Chapter 12, Para 47 (b)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 12, Section E. (b)]

53. (a) Promote the training of decision makers and land users in the effective utilization of information from early-warning systems; [Chapter 12, Para 53 (a)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 12, Section F. (b)]

58. (a) Review, develop and disseminate gender-disaggregated information, skills and know-how at all levels on ways of organizing and promoting popular participation; [Chapter 12, Para 58 (a)]




Information, Data and Communication in Agenda 21
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