These regulations aim to:
- provide an effective and pragmatic regulatory framework for the sustainable use of all areas already affected by desertification and the protection of vulnerable lands;
- sensitise the public on the causes and dangers associated with desertification and the attendant land degradation;
- encourage the sustainable use of fuelwood through the use of more efficient and energy saving devices with a view to encouraging their wider use and adoption at all levels;
- promote the use of alternative sources of energy, including the use of wind, solar, briquettes, coal, gas etc;
- encourage reforestation and reseeding
- attain the 25% national forest cover as prescribed by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) with a view to being self sufficient in wood and other forest resources, including the enhancement of ecological integrity and the abatement of the impacts of climate change;
- ensure sustainable agricultural and range management practices, improved animal husbandry and management of water resources in the desertification prone areas with a view to achieving sustainable livelihood, poverty reduction and wealth creation; through introduction of modern and affordable production technologies to resource poor farming communities;
- promote cooperation internationally;
- sustain and expands forests and tree cover more generally.
