Article 1.- To promulgate together with this Decision the national action program to combat desertification in the 2006-2010 period and orientations toward 2020 in order to concretize the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and specify the strategic orientation for sustainable development in Vietnam (Agenda 21 of Vietnam).

Article 2.- Organization of implementation of the program

1. The National Coordinating Body for implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which was established under the Prime Minister's Decision No. 68/2003/QD-TTg of April 28, 2003, shall have to perform the tasks assigned by the Prime Minister in this Decision.

2. The Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry, the agency in prime charge of the national action program to combat desertification in the 2006-2010 period and orientations toward 2020, shall have to:

a/ Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with concerned ministries, branches, provincial/municipal People's Committees, social organizations and international organizations in, organizing the implementation of the national action program to combat desertification in the 2006-2010 period and orientations toward 2020 already approved by the Prime Minister;

b/ Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the Planning and Investment Ministry, ministries, branches and provincial People's Committees in, integrating inter-branch and inter-territorial projects under the national action program to combat desertification in the 2006-2010 period and orientations toward 2020 already approved by the Prime Minister;

c/ Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the Finance Ministry and the concerned agencies in, formulating the financial mechanism, ensuring the close and effective management of the program and projects;

d/ Annually report to the Prime Minister, concentrating on assessment of impacts of the program, projects and policies on state management of forest, land and water resources on the life of people in affected areas;

e/ Promptly report to the Prime Minister on newly emerging issues which go beyond its competence; propose the replacement, modification or addition of projects, the change of agencies with prime responsibility therefor when such projects fail to achieve objectives or keep up with set schedules.

3. The Planning and Investment Ministry and the Finance Ministry shall have the following responsibilities:

a/ To coordinate with the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry, the agency in prime charge of the program, in integrating the tasks and projects with relevant socio-economic development tasks;

b/ To appraise projects under the program according to the provisions of law;

c/ To balance and allocate capital for implementation of the program.

4. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government-attached agencies, and presidents of provincial/municipal People's Committees shall organize the execution of projects assigned to them on the list of projects enclosed with this Decision.

Article 3.- This Decision shall take effect 15 days after its publication in "CONG BAO."

Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government-attached agencies, and presidents of provincial/municipal People's Committees shall have to implement this Decision.