The so-called affected countries are implementing the UNCCD by developing and implementing National Action Programmes (NAPs). According to the Convention text these programmes must adopt a “democratic, bottom-up approach”, and puts as a prerequisite that actors within civil society play a critical role in the implementation of the Convention. In this way, the Convention is unique as it stresses the importance of full participation of local communities, both men and women, at all levels in the NAPs. Moreover, it states that local communities in dryland areas should be key beneficiaries, decision-makers and implementers of the NAPs, particularly at local levels.

Decentralization of decision-making and financial and technical resources is considered key for the NAPs' success. The Convention mentions that it will be necessary for many governments to delegate more decision-making authority to the provincial and local community levels to enable a bottom-up approach and to involve civil society organizations in the implementation process. The UNCCD is an important national and international framework for DCG's work in Norway as well as in its partner countries through the mobilization of resources, local development, and partnership between CBOs, NGOs, and governmental institutions.

National Action Programmes for DCG partner countries:

Eritrea (in English)

Ethiopia (in English)

Mali (in French)

Sudan (in English)