Page 123 - Çevre Şehir ve İklim Dergisi İngilizce - Özel Sayı

Zehra Kavakli Karataş

In the integration of the results obtained, it was found that the desertification
model and vulnerability map produced 94 percent consistent results on a
micro-basin basis within a 90 percent confidence interval (ÇEM 2024).

4. Discussion and Conclusion

Compared to the past, the newly developing methods and technologies
enable to analyse the modelling and mapping of desertification in a more
qualified and accurate way. Especially, the AHP method, which is based on
expert opinion, may not always produce completely accurate results, as it is
open to human influence. Nonetheless, more objective approaches such as
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and various statistical
methods significantly improve the accuracy of the analysis results. The models
such as DIS4ME and MEDALUS can be adapted to Türkiye or more localised
regions, but these models need to be re-assessed considering the region-
specific conditions. The pioneering studies on desertification modelling and
monitoring conducted by China demonstrate how advanced the researches
in this field can be. In this context, it is of great importance to regularly follow
international academic studies and discuss their applicability to Türkiye.
Remote sensing technology has accelerated desertification research
and enabled the implementation of policies to take measures against soil
degradation. In order to obtain reliable and robust outcomes, as much
additional data as possible should be included in the studies, because the
data derived by remote sensing can be used for significant management,
environmental and political decisions (Albalawi and Kumar, 2013). However,
when analysing or establishing a model, including as much additional data
as possible to obtain reliable and robust results may cause problems in data
supply, which poses an important risk for the study. Moreover, excessive data
will make the model more complex, which may lead to a deviation in results.
As mentioned in its definition, desertification is a major land degradation
process, which is accompanied by negative socio-economic and environmental
impacts. The design and development of web-based systems for desertification
can be an effective step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) and combating desertification in vulnerable areas
(Akbari and Alizadeh Noughani, 2024). The impact of the socio-economic and
management criteria and indicators identified in the Desertification Model of
Türkiye on the designed model is of great importance. However, these criteria
and indicators could not be addressed in the study. Considering that one
of the most significant factors causing desertification is human beings, the
importance of these criteria and indicators is emphasized again. The adverse
human-induced impacts on land and the environment need to be minimised.

110 Journal of Environment, Urban and Climate