The UNCCD binds country parties to cooperate in order to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing drought and/or desertification through effective action at all levels. They are, then, expected to establish specific national and local programmes.
National Action Programmes (NAP), in fact, are one of the key instruments in the implementation of the Convention. They are strengthened by Action Programmes on Sub-regional (SRAP) and Regional (RAP) level.
National Action Programmes are developed in the framework of a participative approach involving the local communities and they spell out the practical steps and measures to be taken to combat desertification in specific ecosystems.