Land degradation [antikvár]

European Soil Bureau — Research Report No. 10 Preface The Communication from the Commission "Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection" (COM(2002) 179) clearly identifies major threats to soils in Europe. One of the major threats identified is the increase of flooding and landslides due to soil degradation. The recent events in Central and Eastern Europe have further confirmed the urgent need for action in respect of an effective flood prevention strategy. In the Communication (COM(2002) 179) the current situation in EU Candidate Countries concerning soil degradation is described. This workshop aimed to gather more detailed information on the current situation in Candidate Countries concerning soil degradation. Country presentations focused on the eight major soil threats (erosion, decline in organic matter, contamination, sealing, compaction, salinization, loss of biodiversity and hydogeological risks (floods and landslides)) identified as a priority for Europe and reported on the current extend of soil degradation processes, driving forces, pressures and possible economic impact. Since several Candidate Countries are also parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), reference has been made in country presentations to this convention and to the way forward in implementing it at National level. At the regional meeting for the Northern Mediterranean, Central and Eastern European countries, held in Geneva 23-26 July 2002 in preparation of the first session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC), there has been an explicit invitation to the European Commission to explore the possibility of organising a meeting on soil protection and land rehabilitation in Europe in the context of UNCCD. This workshop intends to provide a prompt response to this request, providing a scientific input to the ongoing discussions on the implementation of the Convention in Europe. Luca Montanarella