Participatory approaches to integrated evaluation of desertification problems from local to national level

ABRAHAM, E.M.

Alghero

Conferencia; International Conference on Dryland ecosystem functioning and resilience: integrating physical assessment with socio-economic issues; 2011

European Science Foundation, DesertNet International and NRD Desertification Research Group of the University of Sassari

 Dealing with desertification entails taking into account its multiple dimensions and their interrelationships in what is a complex system with environmental and socio-economic aspects.   The importance of defining a solid conceptual framework for studying desertification processes through a participatory process is pointed out, as a basis for obtaining indicators and benchmarks to assess both current status and trends of such processes. The need is expressed to include the spatial as well as temporal dimensions (diachronic processes) as scales of analysis for understanding causes and consequences. The importance is stressed of developing a model of assessment for such indicators, based on the conceptual model, to initiate the process of establishing an assessment and monitoring system with active participation of all actors. This procedure incorporates an interdisciplinary and multi-scale perspective, both in space and time. Practical examples of its implementation are pointed out both at national (Project LADA) and local scales.