Treaties and International Law

United National Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (CCD)

National Interest Analysis

Date of Proposed Binding Treaty Action

It is proposed that, provided the treaty-making procedures can be completed in time, the Prime Minister deposit New Zealand's instrument of accession to the Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (CCD) during the UN Millennium Summit in early September.

Reasons for New Zealand to become a Party to the Treaty

Accession to the CCD would demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development and to international regimes to respond to issues of global concern. The CCD is one of the three major outcomes of the 1992 United Nations Convention on Environment and Development (the Rio Earth Summit), and considered the most important by many developing countries, particularly those in Africa. It is listed by the United Nations Secretary General as one of the 25 core United Nations conventions which all UN members are encouraged to join.

Accession would also demonstrate a commitment to the needs of the countries of the Pacific region. Land degradation and drought, issues dealt with under the CCD, are of growing relevance to the region and 13 Pacific Island countries have now ratified or acceded to the CCD.

Advantages and Disadvantages to New Zealand of the Treaty Entering Into Force

The CCD entered into force in 1996. The CCD provides a framework for a coordinated and cooperative global response to desertification. Desertification is defined broadly to include land degradation which is an issue of global concern. It is estimated that over 15% of the world's population and 25% of total land area is affected by land degradation and desertification processes. There are no disadvantages to the entry into force of the CCD.

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Obligations

As a developed country, not affected by desertification, New Zealand would have the following specific obligations:

1. to assist affected developing countries, as appropriate, with the implementation of the CCD. This would enable New Zealand to focus primarily on the Pacific region, while at the same time offering opportunities for increased support for other regions, including Africa. New Zealand is already involved in a number of projects in the Pacific region aimed at sustainable land management through the Official Development Assistance programme. As Pacific Island countries become increasingly engaged in the CCD we can expect the further identification of priorities for action in the region. Accession to the CCD by New Zealand would allow us to work with our Pacific Island neighbours to promote a greater recognition of the specific needs and concerns of the Pacific region.
2. to report on measures taken to implement the Convention. This will involve the compilation of related development assistance activities.
3. to make an annual assessed contribution to the CCD Secretariat, based on the UN scale of assessments, to help with the implementation and administration of the Convention. For New Zealand this amounts to approximately US$20,000 per annum. Provision for this cost was made in the 2000 budget and can therefore be met within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's existing baselines.
4. to attend annual Conferences of the Parties. This can also be met within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's existing baselines.

There are also a number of general obligations that apply to all Parties. These are not considered to be particularly onerous. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will work with relevant departments to implement New Zealand's obligations under the Convention.

Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Effects

There are no significant economic, social or cultural effects arising from accession. The environmental benefits are outlined in the section above on reasons for New Zealand's accession.

Costs

The only direct compulsory cost of accession is an annual contribution to the CCD Secretariat of approximately US$20,000 which is based on the UN scale of assessments. Provision for this cost was made in the 2000 budget and can there be met within existing MFAT baselines.

Future Protocols

Future Protocols to the CCD are not considered likely in the foreseeable future.

Implementation

Accession has no legislative or regulatory implications.

Consultation

This paper was prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry for the Environment, the Department of Conservation, and The Treasury.

Withdrawal or Denunciation

Article 38 of the CCD allows for withdrawal from the Convention.

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