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Journalists from all over Africa doing the last preparations for the upcoming workshop.
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The entrance of Hotel Mouflon d’Or. The venue for the accommodation of the journalists during the 3-day workshop.
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29 May 2012: The first day of the three day workshop. The participants are gathering and chatting before the opening ceremony begins.
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Journalists and UNCCD members waiting for the arrival of the Executive Secretary and other dignitaries.
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The banner of this year’s journalist workshop in Algeria.
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And there he is! Mr. Luc Gnacadja is the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
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Excitement building up about the upcoming workshop.
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Mr. Luc Gnacadja introduces himself to his colleagues and Algerian authorities, including others such as representatives of the World Bank, the African Development Bank and diplomats.
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Dr Rachid Benaissa, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Algeria, welcomes Mr. Luc Gnacadja with some cold drinks and pastry
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The meeting dignitaries are loosening up the atmosphere.
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Gathering in the Conference as journalists make their first acquaintances.
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Curiosity – and the whereabouts of the dignitaries?
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Still enjoying refreshments elsewhere on the premises.
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Settling in… not eager to break up the cheery gathering.
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Well, let’s officially start the workshop!
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Mr. Luc Gnacadja, UNCCD Executive Secretary makes his opening speech...
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...and catches everyone’s attention.
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Even the attention of the Algerian Media.
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Dr Rachid Benaissa, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, host and sponsor of the event, makes his welcome speech.
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After the opening ceremony the participants proceed to the exhibition.
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A guided tour of the activities of the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to combat land degradation.
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Crowding by African journalists to learn about the successful activities of the Algerian Government to tackle desertification.
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Journalists interviewing participants and experts about their first impressions of the workshop.
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Heading back to the conference hall…
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Dignitaries prepare for their first press conference.
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Fielding questions to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
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Intent listening about Algeria’s strategy to achieve Sustainable Land Management.
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After the press conference – demand for one-on-one interviews with Mr. Gnacadja…
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….and Minister Rachid Benaissa.
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Policy Level – UNCCD and the Rio + 20 Process
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Mr. Gnacadja’s presentation on “UNCCD in the Rio+20/Sustainable Development Goal on land –Zero net land degradation”
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Opportunity for journalists to get detailed professional introduction about the economic, environmental and social consequences of desertification.
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Recording the Mr. Gnacadja’s presentation.
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Getting to the bottom of the UNCCD’s activities.
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To conclude the first successful day of the work-shop the participants jointly attend a Dinner…
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… Algerian hospitality at the Residance el Mithak after an eventful day.
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Networking with international colleagues.
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Refreshing cocktails contribute to a companionable evening with interesting conversations.
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But what would be a work-shop in Algeria without a national delicacy?
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A delicious meal enjoyed by all …
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…until nothing was left.
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A cheerful evening the atmosphere was enriched by the presence of all the guests.
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Lively discussions on the topics of the UNCCD.
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30 May 2012 Field Trip to Djelfa Province
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On a sunny Wednesday morning, journalists hit the road to the village of Djelfa.
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Looking ahead… participants couldn’t wait to reach the destination of their first field trip…
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… enjoying the beautiful landscape of Algeria was part of the spin-off benefits
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With stops along the way to rest and take pictures of the landscape and its vegetation.
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Moving further South of Algiers, the vegetation changes quickly. From forests to plain steppes…
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…to a hilly steppe under rehabilitation…
