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 Printable version |
On the restoration of degraded drylands |
Science et changements planétaires / Sécheresse. Volume 22, Number 2, 69-74, Avril-Juin 2011, Dynamique paysagère des terres arides et expériences réussies de restauration écologique., Articles de recherche
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 Résumé
 Free Article
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Author(s) : Jordi Cortina, Beatriz Amat, Mchich Derak, Maria Joao Ribeiro Da Silva, Karen B. Disante, David Fuentes, Jaume Tormo, Román Trubat |
Summary : Drylands cover 41% of the earth's land surface and sustain 38% of the global population. The surface area of drylands affected by desertification is estimated at 10-20% of this land, making this one of the worst environmental problems worldwide. Measures to combat desertification include restoration actions. Recent advances in our understanding of dryland ecology have improved traditional restoration techniques and fostered the development of new eco-technology. However, the refinement of eco-technological tools and the success of experimental restoration projects have not been accompanied by parallel increases in the efficiency and reliability of management-scale restoration programs. In our experience, this is the result of uncertainties about the long-term effects of restoration actions, scarce knowledge on population and community dynamics, and cultural and socioeconomic constraints to the implementation of new techniques and the improvement of traditional ones. We suggest that i) adopting the ecosystem service approach to identify restoration targets and evaluate restoration actions, ii) integrating restoration actions into comprehensive development programs, and iii) creating networks of pilot and demonstration projects may foster participative, adaptive and integrative management plans, and contribute to livelihood quality in desertified areas. |
Keywords : arid zone, desertification, desertification control, planning, restoration |
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