Caring of the Fringe? Mediterranean Desertification between Peri-Urban Ecology and Socioeconomics

This commentary debates on the role of multiple socioeconomic drivers fringe land degradation (including, but not limited to, population and social dynamics, economic polarization, developmental policies), as a novel contribution to desertification assessment in Southern European metropolitan regions, recognized hotspot at global scale. Expanding rapidly all over world, regions are geographical space where processes assume typical relationships that require further research supporting dedicated policy strategies. To assure better comprehension environmental-economic nexus base peri-urban areas, we provided classification relevant territorial dimensions both macro-scale micro-scale processes. We also identified related (contextual) factors determine an increased risk regions. Micro-scale factors, such agricultural prices off-farm employment, reflect some potential causes degradation, with mostly local on-site role. Technological change, prices, household income influence vulnerability, their impact was less investigated supposed be quite moderate most cases. Macro-scale density, rural poverty, environmental policies—being extensively studied qualitative base—were taken important although still remains undefined. Regional disparities resource distribution, unsustainable management resources like soil water were indirect consequences districts. Based comparative review theoretical empirical findings, strategies mitigating reducing potentially affected finally discussed for Northern Mediterranean basin generalized other contexts.