Global Deserts Outlook : Global Environment Outlook Series

The world's deserts represent unique ecosystems which support significant plant and animal biodiversity.

Various human societies have also been established in deserts throughout history, and today deserts are an important part of the world's natural and cultural heritage.

Deserts are also diverse landscapes, contrary to the common notion of vast swathes of endless sand.

This report provides a balanced picture of deserts. It shows that they are more than landscapes which are the end result of the process of desertification.

The report urges policy-makers to consider the development potential of deserts, and their conservation needs.

Publishing Agency: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).