Development of Desertification Indicators (1)—Methodologies for Global-Scale Desertification Assessment—

Abstract

The current estimate of global desertification area by the United Nations is about 3.6 billion ha, which was estimated based on so-called “Informed Opinion” approach. It could not be helped to depend on this kind of qualitative approach, considering time, cost and labor limitations. However, because effectiveness was prioritized, the reliability and quantitativeness were ignored. The authors consider that measurable methodology based on field experiments, satellite remote sensing and ecosystem model will be appropriate for desertification assessment which can satisfy the criteria of reliability and quantitativeness. The methodology of desertification assessment based on biological productivity which the authors are developing is one of these attempts.