strategy
Monitoring desertification
Synonyms:
Reviewing information on desertsResearching socio-economic aspects of desert encroachment
Assessing scientific aspects of desertification
Implementation:
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends: (a) strengthening the knowledge base and developing information and monitoring systems for regions prone to desertification and drought, including economic and social aspects of these ecosystems; (b) reviewing and studying the interaction between the socio-economic impacts of climate, drought and desertification and utilizing results of these studies to secure concrete action; improving and maintaining mechanisms to take preventive measures at regional, national and local levels, with adequate staff, equipment and finances for monitoring drought parameters.
Broader:
MonitoringCombating desertificationConveying economic sociologiesAssessing current land situationStudying human dimensions of environmental changeUndertaking environmental monitoring and assessmentsIntegrating anti-desertification programmes into national sustainable development plans Narrower:
Assessing means for measuring consequences of desertificationAddressing problems of forced relocation of peasants onto marginal landsEstablishing indicators for assessing progress in combatting desertification Facilitates:
Managing drylandsManaging fragile ecosystemsProtecting arid zone ecosystemsDeveloping drought preparedness for environmental refugees Facilitated by:
Assessing environmental impactsSupporting research on land degradationDisseminating environmental informationProviding access to appropriate technologyProducing environmental resource inventoriesImproving national staff for assessing desertificationStrengthening international programmes to combat droughtIncreasing public participation in desertification controlAssessing scientific, social and economic aspects of droughtStrengthening national environmental data assessment capabilities Problems:
Disruption of arid zone ecosystemsOrganizations:
UNDP Drylands Development Centre Subjects:
Climatology → Arid zonesCommerce → Assessment
Economics → Economic
Information → Information
Research, Standards → Inspection, tests
Research, Standards → Research
Science → Science
Type Classification:
G: Very Specific strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
