Dryland Ecosystems and Desertification
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

AGENDA 21 CHAPTERS AND PROGRAMME AREAS OF PARTICULAR FOCUS OR INTEREST:
See check list in annex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF AND LINKS TO INFORMATION ACTIVITIES:

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

Data is collected from the originators of field survey & research, questionnaires, remote sensing by Ministries, compilation of existing data and satellite imagery. Data arrives from various UN organizations, joint projects & Government Ministries.
In reference to Agenda 21 Chapter 12, data on relevant aspects/issues of desertification, soils, vegetation, climate i.e both physical data and socio-economic characteristics is gathered.

Data collection is coordinated with UNEP Division of Environmental Information, Assessment and Early Warning, UNEP Regional Offices, in joint programmes with other organizations and by personal contact.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization
Use of GIS. Improved methodology for mapping land degradation to be developed.

Assessment and Analysis
Please refer to Agenda 21 Chapter 12 "Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Combatting Desertification and Drought". There are joint programmes with UNDP on assessment of desertification (indicators) and on awareness raising with multiple partners, INCD secretariat, FAO, IFAD, etc.

Assessment techniques use collection of existing data, field survey, remote sensing, geographic information systems.

Indicators
 Joint programme with UNDP, UNEP/DESCONAP, UNEP/FAO.

Modelling
 Joint projects

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems

Early Warning Mechanisms

Reports/Information dissemination

Data dissemination is by publications, reports, database distribution, worldwide web on the internet, presentations, & awareness raising products. Global cover to multiple users: scientific community, Governments, civil societies, the general public. Coordination of information dissemination is through partnership agreements and joint projects.

Meta-information inventories exist. The use of the information within them is promoted by conference presentations/activities and interactive exhibits on WWW.

 The goal of data collection is to provide the information for decision makers.

Network Development and Support
Coordination exists with DESCONAP, RIOD.

Capacity-Building
 The use of information by decision-makers is encouraged by producing reference and teaching materials for educational institutions and workshops.
 Training in data collection, assessment and transformation is done in cooperation with Governments and regional training and research institutions in conducting training programmes in combatting desertification. The broad aim of the training is to enhance the technical capabilities of desertification-prone countries tackling desertification, and to promote awareness of the threat of desertification.

Internet Access

 http://www.unep.org/unep/program/natres/land/home.htm
 Dryland Ecosystems and Desertification documents, catalogues and links to other information sources, web sites and networks on drylands ecosystem and desertification control associated organizations.

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Mr T. Darnhofer
 UNEP
 P.O. Box 30552
 Nairobi, Kenya
 Tel: + 2542 623 282
 Fax: + 2542 623284
 E-mail: Till.Darnhofer@unep.org

Date of preparation:  May 1997, corrected March 1999

ORGANIZATION: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Dryland Ecosystems and Desertification