2. Desertification is a phenomenon affecting very large areas where the land has lost productive capacity due both to human activities and natural causes.

3. In 1999 the European Commission, using the MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification And Land USe) methodology, has identified the areas sensitive to desertification in Sicily VULNERABILITY AT DESERTIFICATION

4. The areas sensitive to desertification are identified by the combination of 4 quality indexes about: SOIL; SOIL CLIMATE; CLIMATE VEGETATION; VEGETATION LAND MANAGEMENT. LAND MANAGEMENT

5. The soils of Sicily are characterised by a large variety due to the different geolithological formations and to the climatic conditions. 4 QUALITY INDEXES1/

6. In the territory of Sicily the climatic conditions ranging from “semi-arid”, in particular in the south- central area (Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania, Enna) to “sub-humid”, in the north-eastern (Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains). 4 QUALITY INDEXES3/

7. The Sicilian Vegetation is highly infiammable, so fires are one of the main causes of soil degradation and desertification. 4 QUALITY INDEXES3/ Mediterranean Vegetation is well adapted to irregular water supply and to long periods of drought.

8. 4 QUALITY INDEXES4/ The management quality index takes into account the stresses produced by the human factor. Regional and national laws provide rules for the management that regulate the exploitation of land and water resources, but this rules are often in conflict with local interest.