Desertification is widely debated in the scientific community with respect to its definition, causes, consequences, measurement indicators, monitoring mechanisms, and prevention. Lavauden (1927) was the first to use the term “ desertification ” to describe the low productivity of rangelands in Tunisia. Aubréville (1949) later described the transformation of forested regions in West Africa into desert-like regions as a result of human activities (Glantz 2005; D’Odorico et al. 2013 ... Desertification : Desertification is the process by which the biological productivity of drylands (arid and semiarid lands) Desertification , the process by which natural or human causes reduce the biological productivity of drylands. Such declines may be the result of climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, poverty, political instability, unsustainable irrigation practices, or combinations of these factors. Desertification poses a serious challenge to sustainable development and humanity’s ability to survive in many areas of the world. The UNCCD’s goal is a future that avoids, reduces, and reverses desertification . Our work paves the way for a land degradation neutral world, one that fosters sustainable development to achieve the goals set in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Humanity needs productive land. Yet the desertification and the mounting losses of productive land ...
