Sustainable Development in Dry Climates: The Mediterranean Area

Difficulties in attaining the goal of sustainable development in dry climates are discussed, with the Mediterranean region as a striking example. The exhaustion of soil fertility, and salinization of arable soil contributed substantially to the fall of the earlier cultures. Sustainability comprises the security of food supply by a biomass productivity 2-3 times greater than the present level. Old techniques cannot achieve this goal; only new techniques, involving the recycling of material on a much wider scale than in old, local societies, can do so. New techniques must concentrate primarily on the efficient use of both groundwater and surface water, which also will make possible the efficient use of plant nutrients. Unrealistic ideas of a sustainable biomass production system, based on low- productive local resources, must be replaced by a modern model involving new techniques and knowledge.