Approaches on the process of desertification: a review of the evidences in Rio Grande do Norte state

Abstract

Desertification has become a relevant theme in the debates about the lands’ degradation, conducted by the United Nations Organization. This Organization is committed to, along with the affected countries, to combat desertification. The areas critically affected by the phenomenon in Brazil, are located in the northeastern region. The State of Rio Grande do Norte, for example, features a heavily affected area, called the Seridó Desertification Core, which comprises six municipalities. This article aims to present a literature review on the process of desertification, emphasizing the panorama of the phenomenon in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Seridó region, in the northeastern region of Brazil, especially in the city of Parelhas. Thus, the article may be referred to as the basis for future studies in this area and in other places with similar characteristics.