The Labyrinth of Desertification

This open access book presents sixteen case studies from Spain to explore the complex realities of landscapes and situations commonly linked to desertification. The term desertification, burdened by its colonial origins, is often misunderstood, frequently reduced to the idea of deserts expanding or seen as a flaw in arid landscapes that must be "corrected" through greening efforts. Despite decades of conceptual refinement leading to a precise definition, the term remains widely misinterpreted in both public discourse and academic contexts. Moreover, there is still no standardized methodology for measuring it. The 2018 edition of the World Atlas of Desertification exemplifies this conceptual ambiguity: paradoxically, it does not include a single map explicitly showing desertification. This book seeks to cut through that ambiguity by using clearly defined case studies to foster a deeper understanding, an essential first step toward addressing the issue effectively. These case studies illustrate the specific criteria that must be met for a situation to be classified as desertification. Escaping this conceptual labyrinth is key to laying the foundation for coherent and effective solutions. This book is an essential reading for researchers, scholars, and policymakers in environmental science, geography, and related disciplines. It offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding and tackling the urgent challenge of land degradation in arid and semi-arid regions.