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Module GIS is not only a storage and analysis tool, but it is a very powerful visual and universal language. GIS
4 systems are clearly of great value to environmental managers. They exist as standalone data management

systems, and can perform analysis of complex data. Simulations and models can be presented in a
GIS to help predict potential impacts and future changes under current management programmes or
environmental conditions.

9-12 December, 2013 BOX 6 Assessment of rangeland degradation and development of a strategy

for rehabilitationon climate change

This study used satellite data from different sensor systems to analyze and explain the
causes, processes, and impacts of desertification in a Steppe grazing area in Syria, with
the aim of supporting the formulation of a strategy for rehabilitating desertified areas.
Through the mapping of parameters such as barley fields, eolian sand distribution, and
drainage patterns from Thematic Mapper (TM) data, it was identified barley cultivation

as one major reason for increased sand erosion or its downhill deposition. With regard
to the degradation of natural vegetation covers, the study discriminate between climate-
triggered and human-induced vegetation degradation by analyzing the natural response
pattern of vegetation to rainfall. For the monitoring of vegetation covers, composited
10-day interval 8-km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Normalized
Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from 1981 to 1996 were used. A consistently
changing response of vegetation to rainfall over this time period, expressed in the residuals

of the NDVImax/Rainfall linear regression calculations, is interpreted as nonclimate or
human driven, where correlations between residuals and the time of their occurrence
produce correlation coefficients >|0.6|. Pixels showing a negative temporal trend in
residuals coincide with areas that are most heavily used by humans. Heavily used areas
were located through detecting nomadic campsites from Indian Remote Sensing Satellite
(IRS)-1C data. By combining campsite distribution with census data, such as flock size,
average annual offtake, and grazing habits, grazing pressures were assessed and put them
in relation to the natural resources. This information provided the basis for the definition
of protected areas or rehabilitation plots, and for elaborating measures to support the

Steppe dwellers.

Source: Geerken, R. and Ilaiwi, M., 2004. Assessment of rangeland degradation and development of a strategy
for rehabilitation. Remote Sensing of Environment,Volume 90, Issue 4, 2004, pp 490-504

82 Monitoring, Data and Indicators