ES1 Sensitivity to desertification in Andalusia, 1956-2100 period (Spain)

Abstract

The diagnosis of sensitivity to the degradation and desertification (evaluation and multitemporal monitoring of desertification in Andalusia through a Geographic Information System within the DESERTNET II project) has been performed according to the methodology MEDALUS (Kosmas et al. , 1999) that allows to identify the vulnerable or sensitive areas to desertification through the application of biophysical and socio-economic indicators. The DESERTNET II project focuses on themes related to the study, monitoring and sustainable management of drought areas of the Mediterranean basin in particular in relation to the impact of agricultural policies and pastoral activities. The study is based on the implementation of four quality indexes of factors straight related to the desertification: soil, climate, vegetation and management of the territory. An analysis of the main parameters or indicators that mark its sensibility to the degradation.

Benefits

The results obtained from the application of this method allow to estimate the fragility of the territories in relation with this problem and define the areas potentially susceptible to develop or that are currently experiencing processes associated to the desertification and in this way be able to define policies to avoid o reduce the impact of it.

Linked to

UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” and 15 “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”. EUROPE 2020 flagship initiative “Sustainable growth – Resource efficient Europe”.