Desertification control and climate change adaptation are two sides of the same coin. They give rise to a range of synergies on both the policy level and in implementation, which need to be exploited more resolutely. The Joint Liaison Group of the three Rio conventions, as well as programmes such as GTZ's "Regional Development Programme in North-East Brazil'', are setting an inspiring example by systematically linking both themes. Especially in terms of aid effectiveness, bilateral and multilateral development cooperation should continue to encourage synergies between efforts to combat desertification and adapt to climate change.

Mathias Bertram
mathias.bertram@gopa.de

Norbert Wende
norbert.wende@gopa.de

GOPA Consultants mbH    
Bad Homburg, Germany