Abstract

The desertification problem in the Mediterranean ecosystems in Latin America has been poorly monitored at local scales. In these regions there is a great need to safeguard endemic species that have been experimented an exceptional loss of habitat (Myers et al., 2000). The present research was carried out with an objective to identify the areas under the risk of desertification at two different places: the rural locality called Maneadero in the northwest of Mexico, and drainage basin of the Puangue River in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile. This assessment is the first step for evaluation and monitoring to desertification in both zones.This investigation provides inputs to identify resolution of desertification problems and to propose prevention measures. This research suggests four steps a participatory evaluation model for monitoring the desertification.