A series of workshops and round tables analyzed proposals to combat the encroachment of deserts on farmland and residences.

Conspicuous by their absence at the conference, which began eight days ago, were officials from the European Union, the United States and Japan, which opted instead to send low profile delegations.

Debates among country leaders, headed by Cuban President Fidel Castro, gave prolific emphasis to the current level of environmental degradation and its incidence in generating poverty.

No concrete accords were made, according to the final declaration.

Diallo, whose country is sorely affected by desertification, sought greater financial contributions from wealthier nations, channeled through the World Bank and regional lenders, to combat the problem.

Desertification affects directly 250 million people and one-third of the Earth's land surface. Deserts spread with populations, especially as the poor put more land under cultivation and burn wood for fires.

A UN report said that in the next 20 years, some 60 million people will leave their homes in sub-Saharan Africa to escape the expanding desert. Between 700,000 and 900,000 Mexicans will similarly head for the United States.

TERRA.WIRE