ISSN 1993-8616
June 2006
Desertification
Quick link to this page: www.unesco.org/courier
© UNESCO/ A. Wolf
Desertification - Dogon Country (Mali)
Turning back the sands of time?
In the 1950s, scientists thought that technology could green the world's deserts. Today, technological optimism has been replaced by realism and concern.
On the occasion of an international conference on the future of drylands to be held in Tunis on 19-21 June 2006, this edition of the UNESCO Courier is dedicated to the topic of desertification. More
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Myrtle and broom, the real Mediterranean landscape?
Mediterranean island landscapes have experienced deforestation and desertification since classical times. Today, rising tourism and farming increasingly deplete groundwater resources and threaten to accelerate desertification. More
Fighting desertification in Kenya, one tree at a time
Despite a ban on logging and cutting down trees, increased use of charcoal contributes to desertification in Kenya. New legislation and environmental activism aim to fight this trend which threatens to turn the country into a desert. More
Harnessing the sun's energy to make drinking water
Scientists working in Egypt learn a valuable lesson: if they are to involve local villagers in dryland conservation projects, they must first propose a solution to the community’s drinking water shortage. More
China's season of dust
Increased farming and rising global temperatures are expanding the Gobi Desert in China. Are tree planting initiatives enough to return wildlife and vegetation to the region? More
Are human beings to blame for desertification?
Every year desertification gains ground in developing countries. We may be able to reverse these effects if we act quickly says Professor Charles Hutchinson, Director for the Office of Arid Lands Studies at Arizona University (USA), a regular collaborator to UNESCO. More
