The main physical driving forces and processes that cause desertification can be linked in a cause-effect framework.
The DPSIR framework (Driving force, Pressure, State, Impact, Response) provides a structure for decision makers to assess the impact of past measures on the status of the environment, or to formulate effective measures for the future.
Policies can be important drivers but also influence the impact of other drivers. In the EU context the Common Agriculture Policy reform and in particular the Water Framework Directive and the upcoming Soil Framework Directives will have a major influence on the ways to achieve sustainable agriculture in Europe.
Many of the DESIRE study site teams report on national laws and regulations as a response of the government to the management of natural resources. These policies can restrict or stimulate specific practices such as forest management, land and water use, conservation or rehabilitation. Desertification is a multidisciplinary and multi-thematic issue and is therefore related to various sectors and levels in policy and government, often with different objectives. Thousands of multilateral and bilateral conventions and agreements relevant to drylands have been developed (e.g. UNCCD, Kyoto Protocol at global level).
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Acknowledgement
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The DESIRE project was
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Contract no: 037046 GOCE
DESIRE brought together the expertise of
26 international research institutes
and non-governmental organisations.
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