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Desertification (UNCCD)

Extractive industries in arid and semi-arid zones: environmental planning and management

Planning and management approaches that minimise land degradation and desertification in arid and semi-arid zones

Authors: ; UNCCD
Publisher: Convention to Combat Desertification , 2003

Full text of document

This report by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, details the planning and management approaches that minimise land degradation and desertification in arid and semi-arid zones, as a result of extractive industries operations.

The publication is intended for government departments responsible for the licensing, planning and monitoring of extractive industries activities.

The report covers a wide of environmental planning and management issues, including:

  • an overview of the key characteristics of arid and semi-arid environments
  • an introduction to the main stages of extractive industries development interventions, including, exploration, appraisal, construction and production, decommissioning, rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration
  • the principal environmental and social impacts of extractive industries activities in arid and semi-arid zones
  • roles and responsibilities of government agencies, the private sector, civil society, international organisations and conventions, as well as national policy and legal frameworks
  • a detailed examination of environmental impact assessment, environmental management plans, and monitoring and reporting processes
  • recommendations and measures for environmental protection and sustainable management
  • key guiding principles that will help government officials, environmental NGOs, and executives of extractive industries to consider ecosystem conservation needs of exploration and exploitation.

[adapted from author]