Mediterranean desertification - Research results and policy implications
A report on "Mediterranean desertification - Research results and policy implications" has been published by the European Commission. The report is based on the proceedings and conclusions of an international conference on Mediterranean desertification, sponsored by the European Commission in 1996. The conference, which took place in Crete, Greece, from 29 October to 1 November 1996, was aimed at raising the profile of EU research and policy in this field and alerting both the public and policy makers to the extent, nature and urgency of the problem. Approximately 300 scientists, policy makers and land managers from over 20 countries participated. The present publication attempts to summarize the main issues identified during the conference as being of high priority and provides an overview of the main conclusions. A number of concise scientific areas for research were identified, with an emphasis on extreme events, land cover interactions with local climate, biotechnologies, and regional precipitation patterns.