干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

This review paper provides explanation and global assessment of desertification as it menaces the world drylands. It shows the differences between drought (a natural hazard) and desertification (degradation of land resources), and quotes an example of management of drought (Syria case study) and an example of management of desertification (case study of U.S.A. drylands). It reviews actions of the world community led by UN (1972-92) in response to droughts ana famines that menaced the continent of Africa. This included holding the UN Conference on Desertification (1977), the elaboration of a UN-endorsed plan of action to combat desertification and attempts - with limited success - at its implementation. World action in 1999 (UNCED) and in subsequent years (elaboration of an international convention on desertification, June 1994) is described.