What is distinctive about the problem of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) in Latin America region?

Desertification, land degradation and droughtaffect large areas of the Latin American Region. What is distinctive is the fact that these are mostly areas that face serious problems of poverty and lack of sustainable development. In general, these regions are vulnerable to any types of crises, in particular to droughts and to climate change.

Is there a synergy between the processes of Climate Change (CC) and DLDD in in Latin America and which are the most sensitive/vulnerable areas?

DLDD increases vulnerability to Climate Change. The more DLDD, the more the region increases its vulnerability, the higher are the impacts on the population, in particular on the poor rural farmers. The drylands, such as Northeast Brazil, are the most vulnerable areas.

Who is mostly affected by the problem of DLDD in Latin America?

Small farmers and the poor rural populations living in the rural areas of South, Central and North (Mexico) America are the most affected by the problem of DLDD. In the drylands of Latin America, the problem of DLDD is most serious, and desertification is already occurring in several areas. However, land degradation is also a problem everywhere, not only on the drylands.

How significant is the impact of DLDD on economic growth in Latin America?

DLDD leads to reduction in agricultural productivity and, in consequence, to increases in expenditures in fertilizers and other inputs. There is still a lack of data on costs of DLDD in Latin America, but we can say that such costs are significant. Small farmers in drylands areas, in particular, cannot afford such costs, given lack of resources and the high uncertainty in regard to climate variability and change.

Costs of action versus inaction: prevention or mitigation of DLDD?

It is accepted that the costs of action to prevent or mitigate DLDD in LA will lower than the costs of inaction. The problem, however, is that to act now it is necessary to have credible scientific information and financial resources, while the costs of inaction will be bared in the future, so it is perceived that a decision to act can be postponed.

Which are the major challenges for building a Regional Integrated Information System for Decision Support on DLDD in Latin America?

I think that, in the first place, there is a need for international and also national leadership in this regard. The formulation of a clear vision by credible international organizations and the negotiation with governments and major stakeholders in Latin America, such as Embrapa - the Brazilian Company for Agricultural Research, and the Ministries of Agriculture of leading countries, is a necessary condition. With international leadership, good scientific information and adequate resources, I think that within a few years such a System could be successfully established in Latin America.