Sustainable development planning and semi-arid regions

Abstract

The semi-arid regions of the developing countries are the most vulnerable regions of the world in regard to environmental and socio-economic conditions. It is likely that a business-as-usual scenario will show increased vulnerability in the future, with growing population and land use intensifying the pressure on land and water resources. Such an unsustainable path must be diverted to one of greater sustainability. This is especially difficult because of the immediate problems relating to the basic needs of the population. In this article, a methodology is discussed whereby global environmental and climate change issues are integrated into a comprehensive planning approach designed to pursue a more sustainable economic, social and environmental development. The methodological framework includes a number of steps or tasks dealing with the assessment of present sustainability, business-as-usual and alternative scenarios for one generation in the future, and vulnerability and impact assessments. The methodology should lead to the definition and implementation of a sustainable development strategy addressing current societal goals while taking into account local and global environmental change processes.