The correct answer is Option 3: 1 and 3 only.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a global agreement that aims to tackle the problem of desertification, land degradation, and drought in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. Here are the reasons why options 1 and 3 are correct:

1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.

The UNCCD recognizes that desertification, land degradation, and drought are global problems that require a collective effort to solve. The Convention aims to promote effective action through innovative national programs and supportive international partnerships. This is achieved through the exchange of best practices, technology transfer, and financial support to affected countries. The Convention also encourages the private sector and civil society to get involved in combating desertification.

In addition, the UNCCD has a goal to ensure the mobilization and adequate flow of financial resources to affected countries. This is critical for implementing effective programs that combat desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Convention has established a financial mechanism, the Global Environment Facility, to support affected countries in their efforts to combat desertification.

2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.

Option 2 is incorrect. While the UNCCD recognizes the importance of South Asia and North Africa regions as areas severely affected by desertification, the Convention does not have a special or particular focus on these regions. The Convention emphasizes that desertification is a global problem that requires a global response. Therefore, the Convention provides support to affected countries regardless of their geographic location.

3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

Option 3 is correct. The UNCCD recognizes the importance of involving local communities in combating desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Convention promotes a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in the design and implementation of programs that combat desertification. This approach ensures that local people have a say in decisions that affect their livelihoods and that their traditional knowledge is taken into account.

In conclusion, the correct answer is Option 3: 1 and 3 only. The UNCCD is a vital global agreement that aims to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Convention recognizes the importance of effective national programs, supportive international partnerships, and involving local people in combating desertification.