Co-ordinator : Environment and Geo-Informayion (EGEO)
The objective of the project is to develop a comprehensive method for monitoring desertification in the south of the Mediterranean basin, which provides information useful for the operational management of arid lands and which involves all the affected countries.
The main purpose is to discriminate, at local scale, (and after elimination of seasonal fluctuations) areas where soil and vegetation are degrading, where they are stable, where they are recovering (after restoration action has been taken, e.g.). In addition, the understanding of the relationships between those changes and land use will be a major objective.
This aim is an answer to the need for reliable and detailed data on the condition and evolution of arid zones as has been strongly expressed by officials in charge of environmental policies.
Desertification in the northern shore of the Mediterranean is already a concern at the European level. The southern shore is far more affected (see map on front cover) because of the dryer climate, the inherent fragility of the ecosystems and high demographic pressure ; a strong political will to tackle this phenomenon exists at national and international levels (confer the international Convention to Combat Desertification).
contact :
J. Mégier
Environment and Geo-Information (EGEO)
Space Applications Institute
Joint Research Center
Ispra, Italy
jacques.megier@jrc.it
R. Escadafal (scientific leader)
Environment and Geo-Information (EGEO)
Space Applications Institute
Joint Research Center
Ispra, Italy
richard.escadafal@jrc.it
web site :
http://www.egeo.sai.jrc.it/cameleo/