The main issues associated with Mediterranean desertification
DIS4ME editor: Jane Brandt <desertlinks@medalus.demon.co.uk>

In many parts of Mediterranean Europe there has been rapid change in land use, particularly during the last 40 years. Changes in technology have, especially in Spain, allowed an increase in intensive irrigated agriculture. Entry into the European Union has also brought entry to common agricultural policies, subsidies and changes to the types of crops produced.

These are the principal issues which have been associated with desertification by the Focal Points of Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, and by local stakeholders in the Alentejo, Guadalentín basin, Agri basin and the island of Lesvos.

• Land abandonment
  
• Increase in intensive irrigated farming
  
• Overgrazing
  
• Deforestation
  
• Littoralisation (concentration of economic and social activity in coastal areas)
  
• Inappropriate dry farming agricultural practices on marginally productive land
  
• Changes in the economic activity in desertification-affected areas
  
• Degradation of the physical environment (including soil erosion, salinisation, fire)
  
• Changes in the availability of water resources
  
• Changes in the social structure
  
• Institutional organisation to combat desertification