More than one-third of the earth's land area is arid. Much of it has become desert since the dawn of civilization, and many vulnerable areas are even now being turned into desert because of man's actions. This process has intensified during recent decades. The Sahelian drought of 1968-1973 and its tragic effect on the peoples of that region drew world attention to chronic problems of human survival and development on the desert margings.

In accordance with the provisions of General Assembly resolution 337 (XXIX) on international co-operation to combat desertification draft Plan of Action to Combat Desertification is to be presented to the United Nations Conference on Desertification (29 August - 9 September 1977), for consideration and adoption.

The present draft of the Plan of Action has been prepared for consideration by the four regional preparatory meetings for the Conference. Together with the reports on the regional consultations, this draft will also be presented for review at the fifth session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme acting in its capacity as the intergovernmental preparatory body for the Conference.