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The prospective study area is 1.413.232 sq km and geographic coordinates are 30-42 latitude, 26-48 longitude, and includes Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and, Iraq (Mesopotamia). The relevant area is in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas (Black sea region).

Desertification is a global problem and most of Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq are affected by it. Climatic limitations, extensive clearance of natural vegetation, excessive grazing, agricultural expansion into the natural habitats, unsuitable irrigation techniques and soil salinisation have contributed to land degradation, reduced water supplies and limited agricultural production in these areas. It is estimated that nearly 61 per cent of agricultural land in Iraq is threatened by salinity problems.

Soil erosion is affected by climatic properties such as unequal and limited rainfall, temperature and wind. Most of the region is expected to continue as very hot deserts under climate change scenarios. Climate change may put stresses on those areas. With increased evaporation, the problem may become even worse under global warming. The Mesopotamia Basin would suffer drastic desertification since the area only receives between 150-300 ram of rainfall annually but experiences 1500-2500 own of evaporation per year. The region also experiences extreme temperatures and windstorms. Erosion has a major influence on desertification. About 73 per cent of cultivated land and 68 per cent of prime agricultural land is prone to erosion in Turkey. Population growth and agricultural mismanagement have also exacerbated desertification problems in those areas. Population growth will have increased 50 per cent by 2025 in Iraq, Syria and Turkey (Tigris and Euphrates Basin).

Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, environmental and socio-economic factors and human activities are the main factors triggering desertification processes on vulnerable land in those areas. Forests cover about 26% of the landmass in Turkey, 8% in Lebanon, 3% in Syria and 0% in Iraq, but over half the forest area in Turkey is degraded and unproductive.