Indicators and Information Requirements for Combatting Desertification
91
contributed to highlight the main issues on which much work must still be carried
out.
Discussion was based on the following general assumptions:
(i) Definitions and terms as defined by the UN-CCD must be the only term of
reference.
(ii) Indicators are the objective answer to the necessity for a direct knowledge on
desertification, its state and its evolution. This means that an indicator must
be able to describe key issues on desertification in a specific area or in a
particular country.
2.2 Results and Conclusions
The general discussion at the end of the event allowed to better define:
The importance of the identification and utilisation of indicators;
• The limits of the current knowledge on and approaches to the research on
indicators and the advantages that would derive by adopting the criteria
suggested by the UN-CCD.
• The necessity to identify useful indicators given by the widespread need to
simplify in a limited number of variables a complex phenomenon like
desertification, particularly when actions must be taken to halt and/or mitigate
its effects.
One of the main problems encountered by policy-makers, end users and all
institutions involved in land planning is connected to the application of scientific
theories to real situations. It is very difficult for them to translate the scientific
abstractions into actions, and the use of indicators would really constitute an
important step towards the implementation of actions to combat desertification.
Indicators would in fact make it possible:
~ to provide information to policy makers and the wider public on the current state
and changes in the conditions of the environment;
~ to allow policy makers to better understand the linkages between causes and
effects of the impact of environmental policies; and
~ to contribute to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies in promoting
sustainable development.
From a scientific perspective, indicators would:
~ enable the assessment of the present status ofthe environment and the prediction
of future trends;
~ ease the identification of the main causes of desertification and therefore suggest
proper management of natural resources; and
~ enable an identification of detrimental changes and therefore the adoption of the
necessary measures to prevent irreversible damage.
In the light of all the examples, case studies and methodological contributions
presented, it appeared clear that there is a urgent need to carry out specific studies
on the identification of indicators for the Mediterranean area.
91
contributed to highlight the main issues on which much work must still be carried
out.
Discussion was based on the following general assumptions:
(i) Definitions and terms as defined by the UN-CCD must be the only term of
reference.
(ii) Indicators are the objective answer to the necessity for a direct knowledge on
desertification, its state and its evolution. This means that an indicator must
be able to describe key issues on desertification in a specific area or in a
particular country.
2.2 Results and Conclusions
The general discussion at the end of the event allowed to better define:
The importance of the identification and utilisation of indicators;
• The limits of the current knowledge on and approaches to the research on
indicators and the advantages that would derive by adopting the criteria
suggested by the UN-CCD.
• The necessity to identify useful indicators given by the widespread need to
simplify in a limited number of variables a complex phenomenon like
desertification, particularly when actions must be taken to halt and/or mitigate
its effects.
One of the main problems encountered by policy-makers, end users and all
institutions involved in land planning is connected to the application of scientific
theories to real situations. It is very difficult for them to translate the scientific
abstractions into actions, and the use of indicators would really constitute an
important step towards the implementation of actions to combat desertification.
Indicators would in fact make it possible:
~ to provide information to policy makers and the wider public on the current state
and changes in the conditions of the environment;
~ to allow policy makers to better understand the linkages between causes and
effects of the impact of environmental policies; and
~ to contribute to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies in promoting
sustainable development.
From a scientific perspective, indicators would:
~ enable the assessment of the present status ofthe environment and the prediction
of future trends;
~ ease the identification of the main causes of desertification and therefore suggest
proper management of natural resources; and
~ enable an identification of detrimental changes and therefore the adoption of the
necessary measures to prevent irreversible damage.
In the light of all the examples, case studies and methodological contributions
presented, it appeared clear that there is a urgent need to carry out specific studies
on the identification of indicators for the Mediterranean area.