Indicators and Information Requirements for Combatting Desertification

The development of indicators and the availability and circulation of information are two correlated and relevant issues in the fight against desertification as highlighted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UN-CCD). Article 16 of the UN-CCD notifies that the ratifying countries have accepted integrating and co-ordinating the collection, analysis and exchange of relevant short and long term data and information to ensure systematic observation of land degradation in the affected areas and to better understand and assess the processes and effects of desertification and drought.