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.
"One of the most precious resources we have is land. It is limited in its extent and it has to meet multiple competing and conflicting demands; as a result, there is continuous degradation of this critical resource. The book ""Desertification and Land Degradation Concepts to Combating"" addresses this situation in an excellent and comprehensive manner. It is an excellent exposition of the issues and their possible amelioration. It should be essential reading for all those working towards a sustainable future. Arup Dasgupta Geospatial World - July August 2022 Issue This book builds up the subject of desertification and land degradation in a coherent way, encompassing the fundamental concepts and combating strategies. This book could become a ‘go-to’ book for graduate students, researchers, and professionals working in mapping, monitoring, and combating desertification and land degradation. Pandi Zdruli, International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy Land (MDPI Journal), 13, 2024"