The countries in North Africa share an arid and semi-arid environment with high diversity: mountainous areas run alongside maritime areas and desert. Currently, urban dwellers in North Africa represent more than 50% of the population and are expected to be more than 60% by 2030. However, the urban system in North Africa is suffering urban primacy. The region is well known for its endowment in mineral deposits such as oil and gas. However, it is also known for being one of the poorest regions in the world in water resources.

This workshop took place from 27 to 29 March 2006. The discussions were informed by an issues/discussion paper. The meeting brought together representatives from African governments, regional economic communities, and civil society including farmers’ organizations, African private sector, centres of excellence and development partners.

While there is an important body of research on environmental discourses and policy in Southeast Asia, the situation in the Lao PDR remains understudied. This paper builds on debates related to environmental change and knowledge production and examines the socio-political construction of the current mainstream discourse on land degradation in Laos.

Determining 1,950 hectares as sustainable use zone in Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in Veal Veng district of Pursat province, and granting the land for agro-industry (rubber plantation) investment to M.D.S Import Export Co., Ltd.

Reclassifying 6,592 hectares as state private land in Prek Sarmanh and Damrey Phung communes of Chhlong district and Svay Chhras commune of Snoul districts in Kratie province for rubber plantation investment.

Reclassifying 7,972 hectares as state private land in Damrey Phung and Kampong Damrey communes of Chhlong district and Svay Chhras commune of Snoul districts in Kratie province for rubber plantation investment.

Reclassifying 5,088 hectares as state private land in Damrey Phong and Kampong Damrey communes, Chhlong district, Kratie province for rubber plantation investment.

Determining 5,000 hectares as sustainable use zone in Kulen-Prumtep Wildlife Sanctuary in 2 Thnou commune of Snoul district in Kratie province, and granting the land for agro-industry and rubber plantation investment to Sovann Vuthy Co., Ltd.

The African Union Commission (AUC) and African Heads of State and Government are committed to providing a conducive environment for economic growth, poverty reduction and equitable sustainable development. In this context, the quality of governance of land and natural resources is an important factor. Accordingly, better performance of land policies and institutions is required to deliver development goals. Land reforms must equitably address the needs of all land users, including smallholder farmers, the private sector, the urban poor and slum dwellers.

The countries in North Africa share an arid and semi-arid environment with high diversity: mountainous areas run alongside maritime areas and desert. The population of the region was estimated at 160 million people in 2005 and is expected to be more than 270 million in 2030. Most of the population will live in urban areas. Currently, urban dwellers in North Africa represent more than 50% of the population and are expected to be more than 60% by 2030. However, the urban system in North Africa is suffering urban primacy.

Southern Africa is one of the most well endowed regions in the continent in terms of mineral and natural resources. However, the region is facing serious environmental challenges such as land degradation, deforestation and water stress in specific areas.