Recalling its resolution 3337 (XXIX) of 17 September 1974, in which it decided to initiate concerted international action to combat desertification,

Stressing the need for additional research to clarify number of fundamental problems of desertification, for the solution of which the requisite scientific knowledge is not yet available to the international community,

Stressing further that the preparation of the United Nations Conference on Desertification should provide the international community with the basis for an action-oriented, comprehensive and co-ordinated plan of action, which should include the building up of indigenous and autonomous science and technology capacity in the areas concerned.