M. Dubas! : Desertification of Mediterranean and Mountainous Regions
25000
1000
mllllef$ d'hl
S uperflcll!!l ilro d ~
SuperflC:iO non 'tod~
Figure 1. Soil Erosion risk in the Mediterranean (Blue Plan, 1989).
1
THREATS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN AND
EVOLUTION OF MOUNTAINOUS AREAS
187
Among the most critical issues for the future of the Mediterranean region are the
protection of coastal areas, the prevention of forest fires, soil conservation, and
demographic growth .
All Mediterranean countries are already affected by an extension of severe erosion
risks. In 1980, a loss of 5 to 50 tons/halyr was estimated for 35% of the cultivated
lands, and not only in the Southern rim, but also in European countries like
Greece, Italy or Spain (see Fig. I, Blue Plan, 1989).
1 .1 Water and demographic growth
Water availability is another major problem for the future, even without a climate
change.
Mountains are the wellsprings of any continent. But this is particularly critical in a
region where water scarcity is widespread and population is more and more
concentrated along the coasts. Since water availability is a major issue for its
future, considering the hydrological consequences of ecological change in the
mountains is essential for the whole Mediterranean region .
25000
1000
mllllef$ d'hl
S uperflcll!!l ilro d ~
SuperflC:iO non 'tod~
Figure 1. Soil Erosion risk in the Mediterranean (Blue Plan, 1989).
1
THREATS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN AND
EVOLUTION OF MOUNTAINOUS AREAS
187
Among the most critical issues for the future of the Mediterranean region are the
protection of coastal areas, the prevention of forest fires, soil conservation, and
demographic growth .
All Mediterranean countries are already affected by an extension of severe erosion
risks. In 1980, a loss of 5 to 50 tons/halyr was estimated for 35% of the cultivated
lands, and not only in the Southern rim, but also in European countries like
Greece, Italy or Spain (see Fig. I, Blue Plan, 1989).
1 .1 Water and demographic growth
Water availability is another major problem for the future, even without a climate
change.
Mountains are the wellsprings of any continent. But this is particularly critical in a
region where water scarcity is widespread and population is more and more
concentrated along the coasts. Since water availability is a major issue for its
future, considering the hydrological consequences of ecological change in the
mountains is essential for the whole Mediterranean region .