INVESTIGADORES
ABRAHAM Elena Maria
convenios, asesorías y/o servicios tecnológicos
Título:
“To assist in developing a common B + I System for monitoring & evaluation of desertification”
Autor/es:
ELENA M. ABRAHAM (COORDINATOR), AHMED IBRAHIM AL/AMOUD, VICTOR CASTILLO SANCHEZ, GUSTAVO FEBLES, NADIMA NASCIMENTO, FERNANDO SANTIBAÑEZ, MAURICIO SCIORTINO, MARIA SOKOLOVSKA, MARTA TESAROVA, LASZLO VERMES
Fecha inicio:
2006-02-02
Fecha finalización:
2007-07-11
Naturaleza de la

Producción Tecnológica:
Organizacional
Campo de Aplicación:
Medio terrestre-Degradacion
Descripción:
E. Abraham 1.6. To assist in developing a common B&I System for monitoring and assessment desertification Summary Conclusions and Recommendations 1. The objective of the present task is to assist in developing a common B&I System for monitoring and assessment of desertification. 2. Within the framework of the UNCCD and especially in its CST, consistent efforts have been made in relation to B&I indicators. Among the “ad hoc” groups created was one charged with the review of impact indicators and their application to NAPs, SARPs and RAPs. There are also indicators, which exist in other Conventions and in different United Nations Organizations. Numerous B&I proposals have been developed.  However, at present, no agreement has been obtained about the use of B&I and discrepancies about the achievements of these concepts are present. 3. The main activities of this report entail a preliminary diagnosis of state of art in the use of B&I; the improvement and adjustment of this diagnosis at international level; contributions to the development of a common system of B&I assessment and monitoring desertification; a work programme and a work methodology. 4. The analysis shows that, among other characteristics, there is no consensus on terminology and concepts on B&I. Today’s knowledge about the processes of desertification is fragmented and in many cases, not suitable for comparison. This situation is mainly due to the fact that existing studies have not been defined, developed and measured according to B&I. Indicators, in the majority of cases, are not operational, simple, practical and decision-maker oriented. 5. The analysis framework of these indicators (i.e. pressure, state and response); the methodologies used for their gathering and their integration in assessment and monitoring models; the identification of the user requirements; and their application experiences are not well known elements. These links become even weaker when we try to find a relationship with the EWS to prevent the effects of drought and desertification. 6. There is a considerable predominance of indicators based on thematic aspects, especially biophysical ones (soils) and deficiencies in the links between them and socio-economic indicators. Since the attention paid to biophysical and socio-economic indicators has been unbalanced, it is difficult to use them in one holistic Monitoring and Evaluation System (M&E). 7. There is a confusion of scales and levels. There are practically no cases that use the temporal dimension (scale) for understanding the causes, dynamics and trends of desertification. 8. There are no global inventories or networks, not even at national and regional levels, of the measuring point or centers in order to ensure accurate monitoring of desertification. 9. There is a gap between "scientific” and "empirical[1]" indicators used by civil society, and very few participation indicators have been established. 10. Until now we have not yet been able to identify examples of decision-maker-oriented indicators designed to foster the implementation of measures against desertification. 11. The development of impact indicators is encouraged. 12. There is little consensus at international level when we try to describe benchmarks as parameters and thresholds used to define the baseline of measurement. 13. A questionnaire was developed on the use of the B&I, aimed at focal points  and others in order to obtain knowledge of the state of art in the use of B&I in the different Annexes of the UNCCD. The first version of this enquiry was facilitated by the Executive Committee of the Project “Active exchange of experience on indicators and development of perspectives in the context of the UNCCD” (AID CCD) as a contribution to the task of the Group of Experts. The survey was discussed and amended during the deliberations of the working group. 14. There is little information on biological indicators of soil quality and methods for integrating physical, chemical, and biological soil properties for developing integrated indicators. 15. The work programme includes different items such as: revision, updating and consensus on concepts and definitions of B&I, multi-scale approach, validation, suggestions for establishment of pilot studies, evaluation of results, training and dissemination of information. The group will use consultations, seminars,  dissemination and the development of a final report including the results reached. 16. It is recommended that the group should work, as a first step, in the study and analysis of the experience accumulated on this subject under the main concepts of the UNCCD and other United Nations Conventions, and other programmes and projects. 17. The development of a common B&I System could serve as an effective tool to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. It can be generated using a participatory approach addressing needs of stakeholders and demands of decision makers, and would have a major impact on policy formulation at all levels. 18. It is recommended to develop the work programme to contribute to the adoption of a unified methodology on B&I.  As a first step, it is recommended to conduct a survey on the application of B&I. This survey will address both the focal points and others in order to obtain a deep knowledge of the state of the art on B&I at international level. [1] Are those achieved from the practical experience and traditional knowledge of  producers and communities.