Prof Ajai started his career in 1978 at Space Applications Centre of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and served it for 42 years in various capacities including Group Director, Project Director, Program coordinator, Professor and Emeritus Scientist. At ISRO, he has developed and operationalized techniques, based on space data and geospatial technology, for inventory, monitoring and combating desertification and land degradation, as well as for watershed development and sustainable land management. He has led the national team which carried out the first ever land degradation and desertification status mapping of India. Prof Ajai is a Fellow of National Academy of Sciences, and recipient of several prestigious awards, including Bhaskara Award, William Dixon West Award, GEO-LDN Prize, and National Geomatics Award for Excellence.

Dr Rimjhim Bhatnagar joined Space Applications centre, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 2004, where she has been pioneering work on the various aspects of land degradation and desertification, including regional and national level mapping, monitoring as well as development of models for desertification vulnerability assessment using space data and geospatial technology. She is a recipient of the prestigious Young Scientist award by the Indian Science Congress Association. Being passionate towards sustainable development, her research work focuses on developing cutting edge models and techniques in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

1. Introduction and Historical Perspective. 2. Desert, Desertification and Land Degradation. 3. Causes and Drivers. 4. Desertification and Land Degradation Processes. 5. Environmental and Social Impact. 6. Ocean Biological Deserts. 7. Indicators. 8. Remote Sensing Technique. 9. Mapping and Monitoring Methods. 10. Desertification Vulnerability Assessment. 11. Combating Strategies. 12. International Initiatives. 13. Land Degradation Neutrality.