A Specific Support Action under Framework Programme 6. Contract number 018347 (GOCE). 2006-2008

During recent decades great progress has been made by the scientific community in understanding the nature and complex causes of land degradation and desertification in Europe. Despite efforts to assemble and present the results for practical application, there is still a wealth of research results that have not been fully exploited nor made accessible to those who can benefit from them.

The objectives of LUCINDA were:

• To provide a concise and comprehensive information pack containing guidelines for sustainable land management in desertification-affected areas derived from the scientific results of past and ongoing EU research projects;
• To make this information available to regional and local authorities who, through national participation in the UNCCD, have a specific mandate to combat desertification.

In the information pack key issues are addressed including: desertification processes and characteristics of affected Mediterranean landscapes; indicators, monitoring, public awareness, NAPs and effects of policies. For each issue (total of 19), there is a Booklet describing current scientific knowledge and guidelines for its application; a summary Leaflet for use by less specialised readers, i.e. some farmers, students, teachers, etc.; a PowerPoint presentation containing slides and text for use in training and dissemination; plus photographs, ad other types of complementary information.

The scientific contents were written by 22 expert authors based on results of some 28 past and on-going research projects.