As we are all aware, a message is only as strong as the ability to convey it in an effective way. In today’s world, a central pillar of any awareness-raising campaign has to be the media. From Cologne to Caracas and Mumbai to Maputo, millions of newspapers are read, countless radio programmes are tuned into and endless hours of television are watched on a daily basis. Even in the remotest villages in far-flung corners of the world, news is carried over the airwaves. What better way to reach a mass audience than through the mass media?   It is with this in mind that the UNCCD wishes to encourage our partners in the media at local, regional, national and international levels to pick up the peg offered by the International Year and to engage in serious debate about the subject with their readers, listeners and viewers. By now, it has become clear that Desertification is a truly major issue with far-reaching economic and social consequences which touch every corner of the globe. We hope that you will recognize the subject as newsworthy, and present it in such a way as to rid the public of complacency, challenge all-too-common misperceptions and help generate a fruitful debate.   We aim to provide you with all the necessary information and are available for any questions or further assistance you may require.

Press contact   Mr.Rajeb Boulharouf   UNCCD Spokesperson   Tel: 49 228 8152810   Fax: 49 228 8152899   Email: press (at) unccd.int