After UNCED (United Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de
Janeiro, July 1992), a second edition of Desertification was
necessary. About 150 corrections, amendments and additions take
scientific progress into account. The author also presents an updated
chapter in which the results of UNCED are analyzed.
This book aims at an understanding of what is commonly called
"desertification" - a term which is proposed to be replaced by "land
degradation". Each level of technology, excessive or insufficient,
creates its own mismanagement. This is reflected in an increase in land
degradation and eventually a decrease in soil productivity. The benefit
to the reader is an awareness of the ecozones and a global overview of
the phenomena, mechanisms and existing solutions.