This policy explains how Deserts of the World maintains accuracy, independence, and integrity across all publications.
It applies to articles, maps, photo essays, datasets, newsletters, and social posts produced under our brand.
Last updated: September 2025 ·
Contact: support@desertsoftheworld.com
1) Editorial Independence
Our editors decide what to cover and how to cover it. Sponsors, partners, or affiliates do not influence our conclusions.
Any material support (funding, travel, access) is disclosed on-page. Sponsored content, if ever published, is clearly labeled.
2) Evidence & Sources
We prioritize primary sources: peer-reviewed research, government or intergovernmental datasets, museum or academic archives,
and reputable NGOs. Secondary sources (books, atlases, expert interviews) are used for context. Statistics include
units, methods, and collection dates. Where licensing allows, we link to underlying data.
3) Accuracy & Fact-Checking
- Every factual claim that matters to understanding is verified before publication.
- Scientific names, coordinates, and figures are double-checked against at least two sources when available.
- Editors require citations or research notes for specialized claims (e.g., climate, ecology, geology).
4) Corrections & Updates
We fix errors promptly. Minor fixes (spelling, style) are made silently; substantive corrections receive an
editor’s note with the date and a brief summary. Readers can request a correction by emailing
editor@desertsoftheworld.com. See our
Corrections Policy for the full workflow.
5) Expertise, Review & Attribution
Content is written or reviewed by subject-matter editors with demonstrated experience in geography, ecology,
or related fields. When expert reviewers contribute materially, we credit them by name and role (e.g., “Scientific Reviewer”),
subject to consent. Images and maps carry creator credits and licenses.
6) Ethical Standards
- We respect local communities and Indigenous knowledge, seeking consent for sensitive cultural material.
- We avoid publishing precise locations that could endanger vulnerable species or sites.
- We do not accept gifts or incentives that could reasonably be seen to influence coverage.
7) Use of AI & Automation
Drafting or research tools may assist with outlines, transcription, or language clarity, but human editors are
responsible for facts, structure, and tone. We do not publish unreviewed machine-generated content. All facts are
verified against human-vetted sources before publication.
8) Visuals, Maps & Data
Cartography and charts include scale, projection (where relevant), and data provenance. Captions indicate data currency
(“Data as of…”) and any modeling assumptions. Photo subjects are described accurately; digital edits do not alter meaning.
9) Diversity of Perspectives
We seek a broad range of voices and references. Where legitimate scientific debate exists, we represent the consensus view
and clearly label hypotheses or minority positions as such.
10) Transparency & Conflicts of Interest
Authors disclose financial or personal relationships that may be perceived as conflicts. Relevant ties are summarized on-page
or in an author profile. Pieces that could be influenced by such ties are reassigned or noted transparently.
11) User Contributions
Reader comments, photos, or data submissions must be original or properly licensed. By submitting, contributors grant us a
non-exclusive license to publish and distribute their material with attribution. We remove content that violates our standards.
12) Accessibility & Inclusion
We aim for clear language, descriptive alt text, legible color contrast, and accessible interactions. Where a complex term is required,
we define it on first use or link to a glossary entry.
13) Contact
Questions about these principles can be sent to
support@desertsoftheworld.com or
support@desertsoftheworld.com. For data and sourcing notes, see
our Data & Sources Disclosure.