1st Edition
Desertification and Land Degradation Concept to Combating
Desertification and land degradation are complex phenomena, and we need to understand their causes, consequences, and means to mitigate and combat their impact. Therefore, this book aims to explain the concept and characteristics of drylands, desert and desertification, land degradation, wastelands, and the concept of ecosystem services. It also discusses various types of processes of land degradations, their characteristics, physics and indicators along with mapping, monitoring and assessment of methods involved. Concept of Ocean Biological Deserts is discussed along with international and regional efforts towards combating land degradation and desertification.
Key Features:
• Provides all the aspect of desertification and land degradation at one place
• Includes comprehensive methods to monitor different desertification/land degradation processes
• Comprehensive overview of the mapping, monitoring and modelling techniques
• Role of space borne data in identifying, monitoring and combating desertification is evaluated and reported with real case studies
• Explains the concept of ocean biological deserts, their characteristics and mapping
1. Introduction and Historical Perspective. 2. Desert, Desertification and Land Degradation. 3. Causes and Drivers. 4. Desertification and Land Degradation Processes. 5. Environmental and Social Impact. 6. Ocean Biological Deserts. 7. Indicators. 8. Remote Sensing Technique. 9. Mapping and Monitoring Methods. 10. Desertification Vulnerability Assessment. 11. Combating Strategies. 12. International Initiatives. 13. Land Degradation Neutrality.
Biography
Prof Ajai started his career in 1978 at Space Applications Centre of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and served it for 42 years in various capacities including Group Director, Project Director, Program coordinator, Professor and Emeritus Scientist. At ISRO, he has developed and operationalized techniques, based on space data and geospatial technology, for inventory, monitoring and combating desertification and land degradation, as well as for watershed development and sustainable land management. He has led the national team which carried out the first ever land degradation and desertification status mapping of India. Prof Ajai is a Fellow of National Academy of Sciences, and recipient of several prestigious awards, including Bhaskara Award, William Dixon West Award, GEO-LDN Prize, and National Geomatics Award for Excellence.
Dr Rimjhim Bhatnagar joined Space Applications centre, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 2004, where she has been pioneering work on the various aspects of land degradation and desertification, including regional and national level mapping, monitoring as well as development of models for desertification vulnerability assessment using space data and geospatial technology. She is a recipient of the prestigious Young Scientist award by the Indian Science Congress Association. Being passionate towards sustainable development, her research work focuses on developing cutting edge models and techniques in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
One of the most precious resources we have is land. It is limited in its extent and it has to meet multiple competing and conflicting demands; as a result, there is continuous degradation of this critical resource. The book "Desertification and Land Degradation Concepts to Combating" addresses this situation in an excellent and comprehensive manner. It is an excellent exposition of the issues and their possible amelioration. It should be essential reading for all those working towards a sustainable future.
Arup Dasgupta
Geospatial World - July August 2022 Issue
This book builds up the subject of desertification and land degradation in a coherent way, encompassing the fundamental concepts and combating strategies. This book could become a ‘go-to’ book for graduate students, researchers, and professionals working in mapping, monitoring, and combating desertification and land degradation.
Pandi Zdruli, International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
Land (MDPI Journal), 13, 2024
