Performance evaluation and cost assessment of a key indicator system to monitor desertification vulnerability

► The ESA approach is one of the most used frameworks to monitor desertification vulnerability. ► This study incorporates sensitivity analysis and data cost analysis into an integrated evaluation of indicator stability. ► Vegetation cover, aridity index and rainfall are important layers determining the level of land vulnerability. ► Climate, vegetation, and land management indicators are the most sensitive to variations in the composing layers.