Mr. Chairman,
Mr. Executive Secretary,
Distinguishes Delegates,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Allow me, at the outset, Mr. Chairman, to express our appreciation for your leadership.

Desertification and land degradation continue to pose a serious threat to sustainable development at national, regional, and global levels.  It seriously threatens the ability of developing countries to achieve the internationally agreed developing goals including the Millennium Development Goals.

2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) occupies a prominent place in the global environmental framework from the developing countries' perspective on account of its emphasis on the promotion of sustainable development and fight against poverty, in the context of addressing desertification issues as are recognized in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation also.

3. We have adopted important decisions during Eight Conference of Parties (COP-8). In order to implement those decisions, it is imperative to provide stable, predictable and adequate financial resources.

Mr. Chairman,

4. We are concerned that the eighth session of the Conference of the Parties did not agree on the budget for the biennium 2008-2009 and invite the Conference of the Parties at its Extraordinary session today to adopt the proposed budget amounting to 5 % increase in euro terms. It is imperative for the full and effective implementation of the Convention including its ten-year strategic plan and framework to enhance the implementation of the Convention.

Mr. Chairman,

5. We assure you of our constructive engagement in the process. We will continue to strive for results oriented efforts in order to mitigate the risks of desertification and serious droughts, poor land management, as well as the land degradation.

I thank you.