The Conference of the Parties,
Recalling the special role of non-governmental organizations and other groups in programmes to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought as emphasized in the Convention,
Recalling also decision 23/COP.1 on the accreditation of non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations,
Further recalling paragraph 37 of decision 3/COP.8 requesting the Executive Secretary to take into account input from civil society organizations (CSOs) when formulating the selection criteria for financial support for their participation at meetings and processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), consistent with the established rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties (COP),
Noting section B.3 of the 10-year strategic plan and framework to enhance the implementation of the Convention (The Strategy), which directs the secretariat to develop revised procedures for the participation of CSOs in UNCCD meetings and processes, including clear selection criteria and a mechanism to ensure a balance of participants from different regions,
Having reviewed the proposed procedures for the participation of CSOs in UNCCD meetings and processes as contained in document ICCD/COP(9)/4/Add.1 and its corrigendum, Noting with appreciation the wide consultations conducted with CSOs in order to include their input in establishing the revised procedures for their participation in UNCCD process and events,
1. Decides to adopt the revised procedures for the participation of CSOs in the COP and other UNCCD activities as contained in document ICCD/COP(9)/4/Add.1 and its corrigendum, and the eligibility criteria contained therein ((a) Geographical balance; (b) Turnover regime; (c) Consideration of representative networks; (d) Expertise balance; and (e) Gender balance); 2. Requests the secretariat to apply the eligibility criteria mentioned in paragraph 1 above, starting from the ninth session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention;
