New FAO site on soil erosion

TA new site on soil erosion was recently launched by FAO in a close co-operation with PAP/RAC. As a matter of fact, PAP/RAC and FAO AGL Department have a long history of successful co-operation. In the late '90s, two Guidelines were jointly prepared, namely the Guidelines for mapping and measurement of rainfall-induced erosion processes in the Mediterranean coastal areas and the Guidelines for erosion and desertification control management. In addition to the latter, a Photo-library on soil erosion processes, as a pictorial annex was published in 2002. In this way, a full set of the most needed methodological tools was developed, which are being used by soil erosion practitioners and other users. This new web site can be found at http://www.fao.org/landandwater/agll/photolib/index_e.htm.

The mapping methodology is applicable not only for rainfall-induced erosion processes as initially stated, but considers also wind erosion and other degradation processes induced by incorrect land-use practices and management; similarly, the flexibility, adaptability and versatility of the mapping criteria and methods might be likely to be applied in other regions of the world. The Photo-library is trilingual (English, French and Spanish), whereas both Guidelines are not (yet) available in Spanish.

PAP/RAC is currently conducting several projects where these guidelines are applied, such as in the Maghreb countries (Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria), as well as in Syria and Lebanon.