Clinton Concerned by Desert Growth in Africa

Stirred by his journey through Africa, President Clinton promised to seek Senate approval of a treaty--largely ignored by the United States--to slow the spread of deserts. He said humanity has “a sacred obligation to protect our environment.”

Clinton, in a speech Tuesday at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, also announced that NASA will use its satellites for the first environmental review of southern Africa.

Encroaching deserts are one of Africa’s most challenging problems, caused by drought, too much grazing, poor irrigation and agricultural practices, and tree clearing. Across the continent, more than 40% of the land is considered only marginally fertile for crops or grazing, and an additional 27% is infertile.

The president sent the international accord, known as the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification, to the Senate two years ago but did not make any effort to get it approved. The Senate has not paid any attention to it either. More than 120 countries have ratified it.

The accord calls for local communities to share power with national governments in managing wildlife, water, forests and farmlands. “When people have a chance to decide, more often than not they actually decide to protect what is precious,” the president said.