Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is ...

Excellencies,Distinguished Delegates,Ladies and Gentlemen,It is my pleasure to brief you on the outcome of the Second Experts Meetingon Combating Desertification in Asia held in Konya in 18-19 June 2013 andon the establishment of the Reserch Center on Combating Desertification inAsia.Desertification is a global issue, with serious implications worldwide forbiodiversity, eco-safety, poverty eradication, socio-economic stability andsustainable development.Drylands are already fragile. As they become degraded, the impact onpeople, livestock and environment can be devastating. Some 50 millionpeople may be displaced within the next 10 years as a result ofdesertification.The issue of desertification is not new though — it played a significant rolein human history, contributing to the collapse of several large empires, andthe displacement of local populations. But today, the pace of arable landdegradation is estimated at 30 to 35 times the historical rate.2.6 billion people depend directly on agriculture, but 52% of the landused for agriculture is moderately or severely affected by soildegradation.Land degradation affects 1,5 billion people globally.

Center on Combating Desertification in Asia and its working principles andbodies.On the second day of the meeting, Participants paid a field trip to Karapınarto observe continuing activities on combating desertification in this region.Participants also visited the Karapınar Meke Lake.CICA International Research and Training Center on CombatingDesertification in Asia which is envisaged to be set up in Konya will supportresearch, organize training and try to make coordination among to relatedresearch instutes in CICA countries. It will constitute a tangible contributionof Turkey to the CICA.In light of the discussions and views expressed at the Konya II. ExpertsMeeting a “Terms of Reference” paper pertaining to the establishment,structure, financial resources and working modalities of the CICAInternational Research and Training Center will be distributed to theMember States by the CICA Secretariat soon. Thus, the issue will bediscussed at the next SWG and SOC meetings with a view to reaching adecision to set up this institution.