Front Matter -- Introduction: Scope and Approach -- The Nature of Desertification. Desertification, its Causes and why it Matters -- Responses to Desertification -- Desertification Indicators: From Concept to Practice -- Local Desertification Impact and Response. Key Processes Regulating Soil and Landscape Functions -- Human Impact on Degradation Processes -- Responses to Land Degradation from Perception to Action -- Global Desertification Impact and Response. Global Desertification Today -- Desertification, Ecosystem Services and Capital -- The Way Forward: Global Soil Conservation and Protection -- Appendix A: Soil Basics -- Index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

HRM