Image Copyright ©
UNCCD
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2006 is the UN
Year of Deserts and Desertification.
The United Nations calls desertification, one of the
world's most alarming processes of environmental degradation.
UN
2005
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CorelDRAW 11
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The UN says that, not only does desertification
cause massive losses to agricultural production, it also
threatens the health and livelihoods of many of the world's
poorest people and can lead to social, economic and political
tensions that can cause conflicts, and further poverty
and land degradation.
UN
2004
Image Copyright ©
CorelDRAW 11
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Desert ecosystems
Biological communities and habitats in arid areas with
little precipitation, sparse, highly adapted vegetation,
and extreme temperatures.
U.S.
Geological Survey
Desertification
The alteration of arable land to dry, barren land due
to prolonged drought or the deleterious effects of human
intervention including overgrazing, overpopulation, or
destructive agricultural practices.
U.S.
Geological Survey |
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The following sites are excellent starting points for
information on deserts and desertification. |
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| Starting Points |
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| Desert Resources in the CMIS Resource
Bank |
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| Other Online Resource Lists |
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Possible Learning Area Outcomes
Curriculum Framework |
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| Science |
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| Society and Environment |
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| Phases of Development |
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