Assessment of Land Desertification Based on the MEDALUS Approach and Elaboration of an Action Plan: The Case Study of the Souss River Basin, Morocco

Abstract

Following the definition of the UNCCD, desertification affects a major part of Morocco. A large extent assessment is usually difficult due to the lack of appropriate methods. The MEDALUS approach is one of the available approaches developed initially for the Mediterranean Europe for desertification sensitivity assessment based on four main indicators (soil, climate, vegetation and management) that are obtained from various parameters. This approach has been applied (with slight modifications) to the Souss river basin in west central Morocco as a case study to assist towards the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) to Combat Desertification. Remote sensing data coupled with field and other relevant data were integrated in a GIS database to produce individual maps depicting the four previously mentioned indicators. Such maps were then overlaid to derive a comprehensive Desertification Sensitivity Map (DSM). This map, as well as ground appraisal information, was used to propose an action plan comprising a list of potential interventions that may contribute to alleviating desertification problems in the region. The interventions were formulated with the consent of the local stakeholders in a participatory process. They included both direct interventions towards reducing land degradation, but also interventions that are linked to alleviating poverty, and offering alternative income sources to the local population in order to reduce land resources pressures. The DSM and the action plan proposed were adopted as a general guideline framework that would be translated into comprehensive detailed local/communal action plans.