DESERTIFICATION - A GENERAL-REVIEW

This review paper provides explanation and global assessment of desert ification as it menaces the world drylands. It shows the differences b etween drought (a natural hazard) and desertification (degradation of land resources), and quotes an example of management of drought (Syria case study) and an example of management of desertification (case stu dy of U.S.A. drylands). It reviews actions of the world community led by UN (1972-92) in response to droughts ana famines that menaced the c ontinent of Africa. This included holding the UN Conference on Deserti fication (1977), the elaboration of a UN-endorsed plan of action to co mbat desertification and attempts - with limited success - at its impl ementation. World action in 1999 (UNCED) and in subsequent years (elab oration of an international convention on desertification, June 1994) is described.