Erosión y desertificación.-Climate and desertification: indicators for an assessment methodology

Abstract

ABSTRACT This work aims to define a methodology that, on the basis of commonly available surface climate records, assesses indicators of the increase or decrease of the extension of territories vulnerable to desertification and land degradation. The definition and quantification of environmental policy relevant indicators aims to improve the understanding and the decision making processes in drylands. The results of this study show that since 1931 changes of climate involved 90% of the territory of the Sicilian region, with stronger intensity in the internal areas of Enna, Caltanissetta and Palermo provinces. The present extension of territories vulnerable to desertification increased by 46% in respect to 1931-1960. I Sicily , the increase of vulnerability to desertification is higher in the internal zones. Changes of the aridity index, in terms of extension of areas and of the index itself, are indicators that should be considered for national reporting to UNCCD.� m