Introduction

A steadily increasing world population and continuing degradation of extensive areas of land threaten the fundamental processes of the natural and agricultural ecosystems on earth and the quality of human life. Although there may be contrary arguments, the capacity of the earth is finite, as is its capacity to provide food and fibre for consumption throughout ecosystems along the food chain to human beings. Destruction of habitat ensures loss of biodiversity and a loss of resilience in natural ecosystems; poor standards of husbandry can lead to degradation of land under agriculture and may be compounded by industrial pollutants.

In this introduction and subsequent chapters, the problems of land degradation are discussed within a framework of driving forces, pressures, state, impacts, and responses (DPSIR). This framework provides a comprehensive view for the analysis of the problems and offers a methodology within which responses to land degradation can be developed. Definitions are given in an attempt to provide a standardized vocabulary and common understanding of the terms used. This is essential in developing an international setting for what this book describes as an ‘enabling environment’ to bring land degradation under control. In order that this can take place, it is necessary to first adopt sound ecological standards as a basis for the future use of land and soils. The current, exploitative, cultural attitude towards land and soils is unsuccessful in providing a sustainable form of production and so alternative strategies need to be developed urgently. These must be effective at all levels from the practical point of view of the individual land user, as well as from the standpoint of national, regional, and international policies.