At its fifth meeting, the Conference of the Parties (COP) endorsed the programme of work on dry and sub-humid lands as contained in annex I of COP decision V/23.

Since its adoption, the programme of work has been supported by a number of regional and international efforts which have placed increasing importance on the conservation and sustainable use of dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity. Examples of such efforts include the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) environment initiative and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Drylands Development Centre.

Through the adoption of a joint work programme with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) the work of the CBD has also been closely linked to other relevant conventions. The secretariats of the UNCCD and CBD also agreed on a Joint Work Plan in an effort to enhance synergies at the national level and to support implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Ten-year Strategic Plan and Framework for the UNCCD.