A Framework of Indicator System for Desertification Monitoring and Evaluation

According to characteristics of desertification,the development and control processes of desertification consist of four parts:driving forces,desertified land,impact by desertification and desertification control.Therefore,indicator system for desertification monitoring and assessment includes four aspects:pressure,state,desertification impact and implementation.Pressure indicators characterize driving forces both natural and man-made,affecting the status of natural resources and leading to desertitication.Pressure indicators are used to assess desertification trends and make an early warning for desertification.Natual indicators describe natural factors,mainly climatic conditions,natural disasters,which promote the occurrence and development of desertification.Non-natural indicators desribe the pressure on land/ecosystems leading to land degradation from human activities.State indicators characterize the status of natural resources including land.The physical and biological features of desertitied land ecosystem are the main factors to be considered.Physical indicators describe the land characteristics,physical and chemical properties of soil and hydrologic features of the land ecosystem.Biological indicators are used to describe biological characteristical of the land ecosystem.Desertification impact indicators are used to evaluate the effects of desertification on human beings and environment.Implementation indicators are used to assess the actions taken for combating desertification and to assess its impacts on natural resources and human beings.Such impacts refer to improvements of socio-economic and natural conditions.The framework of the state indicator system is based on three aspects,namely agro climatic region,land use and degradation process.For the pressure,desertification impact and implementation indicators,the framework of the proposed indicator system is in reference to agro climatic regions.