When a localised problem is treated as a general issue, it could result in wasting resources or divert attention from more important but less obvious things. For example, spectacular gully erosion and badlands may attract remedial efforts at considerable cost and get limited returns,
while a much more serious problem in the longer term is widespread gradual topsoil
loss which gets little attention. The damaging topsoil loss will, if untreated, lead to
serious vegetational change, water resource problems and difficulty growing crops,
but it is difficult to recognise without careful monitoring until it is too late.