In the 1950s, scientists thought that technology could green the world’s deserts. Today, technological optimism has been replaced by realism and concern. On the occasion of an international conference on the future of drylands to be held in Tunis on 19-21 June 2006, this edition of the UNESCO Courier is dedicated to the topic of desertification.
Table of contents:
1. Turning back the sands of time?(Schaaf, Thomas)
2. Myrtle and broom: the real Mediterranean landscape? (Kirby, Steve)
3. Fighting desertification in Kenya: one tree at a time
4. Harnessing the sun's energy to make drinking water(Salem, Boshra; Schneider, Andreas)
5. China's season of dust ( Hamilton, Victoria)
6. Are human beings to blame for desertification? (San, Donatienne de; Hutchinson, Charles)
7. Important dates on desertification in UNESCO and the United Nations (Banaag, Jose)
8. Interesting facts and figures on desertification(Banaag, Jose)
9. The Courier looks back (Banaag, Jose)