Rabat declaration maps common desertification indicators

Participants to the emergency general assembly of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) held in Rabat March 6-7 adopted the Rabat Declaration, mapping out a common initiative defining drought and desertification indicators.

Participants called for cooperation between industrialized countries and OSS members and suitable management policies for arid and semi-arid areas. They stressed the need for easier access to scientific and technical expertise for better evaluation and adoption of best techniques in limiting effects.

The OSS board unanimously adopted the personnel statute and financial regulations while Morocco remains at the chair for another four years and Algeria and Mali join the board.