There are dry ecosystems on the earth where peple have been able to live for thousands of years. Nomadic people have used such land well for a long time. Their insights must not be overlooked!
Attention should now be given to many of these areas as they seem to be threatened.
Desertification issues are difficult to discuss. There are many complex variables involved, including natural processes with a long term development such as forest issues, changes in the environment, intensified water use, climate change, commercialisation of resources.
These changes can contribute to damage to the old maintenance systems causing severe disturbances. To combat desertification we need long term series of data to be able to work sensibly with these issues.
UNCCD – United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
