Participation in international conventions
SEPADO is committed to the dissemination of information and the experiences gained from our unique and unfortunate situation. Participating in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and other international conventions would give us an opportunity to learn from the experiences of regional and international non-governmental organizations.
We would be able to define common strategies with groups from countries that are suffering similar desertification problems. Also, it would be possible to present our case to international donors for support and further guidance which would enable us to combat desertification in Somalia.
SEPADO’s successes and failures so far have been shown to be directly associated with how we have convinced people and how we have allowed community participation. This is in line with the objectives of the Convention to Combat Desertification. We hope that we could contribute our experiences.
Under the present political situation, SEPADO does not foresee the establishment of any National Action Plan in Somalia. However, it is practicable to address issues regionally within the country. This is where SEPADO would find it useful to hear the experiences and suggestions of seasoned Convention participants.
SEPADO is looking forward to, and hoping for, sponsorship which would enable it to participate in future and similar gatherings as the Convention to Combat Desertification. However, it is not in our interest to waste precious resources and time attending any meetings that barely produce concrete post-meeting results and follow-ups.