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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 Today, technological optimism has been replaced by realism and concern.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…

This bulletin is issued by FAO as a medium for the dissemination of information and views on land reform and related subjects to the United Nations, FAO Member Governments and national and international experts and institutions. Articles are published in the original language (English, French or Spanish). Readers requiring more detailed information concerning this bulletin or…

A BBC World television series. Eight 11- minute documentaries and one BBC 47-minute televised debate "Advancing sands: deserts and migration" to mark the UN International Year of Deserts and Desertification ( IYDD). A billion people in a million villages live with the threat of their pasture turning to dust. Local reporters go to the front line to find that villagers are not about to see their…

World-famous geographer and desert photographer Michael Martin with Elke Wallner produced this remarkable movie to draw the public’s attention to desertification, land degradation and water scarcity. The expressive pictures show the devastating impact of unsustainable land use and climate change. The results are multifaceted in socio-economic terms and range from extreme poverty and forced…

Proceedings of the fourth workshop organised by the MEDCOASTLANDThematic Network funded by the European Commission. The Network is aimin at the Mediterranean coordination and management of natural resources of the region with special emphasis at the coastal zones. There are 13 countries from southern Europe, North Africa, Middle and Near East participating in the Network making a…

The Third Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa in August 2006 was held during the UN International Year for Deserts and Desertification (UN-IYDD). The Cape Town Assembly also marked the first anniversary of the SLM Focal Area within the GEF since it had been adopted during the Beijing Assembly in 2002. Finally, it was the first Assembly since GEF had become a…