Essential Strategies for the Anti-desertification Project in China

摘要

Highlights and concepts of the background and strategy of engineering to conserve and prevent desertification (ECPD) in China are summarized into the following fourteen points: 1. Desertification affects 2.6 million km2 or 27.46% of total land area in China, including the livelihood of 400 million people in 31 national minorities, 498 counties, and 18 provinces. It causes severe economic, social and ecological problems and is evolving as a hidden problem in the whole Chinese nation. 2. The causes of desertification could be divided into natural and human factors and their interaction. The later two factors are the major factors.3. It is possible to control and prevent desertification through systematic approaches. The control of desertification is crucial to the existence and development of civilization. Man will certainly vanquish desertification with advances in science and technology. 4. Approaches to combating desertification in the former Soviet Union, Africa (initiated by United Nations), North America and Israel since the last century have revealed that theoretical and technological problems have not been overcome in the effort to control and prevent desertification in the world. China should therefore be on the alert, and prepare adequately. 5. The scientific concept to overcome desertification has not been completely developed and popularized. The rational system of decision and management in several departments, working in coordination with each other has not been established, and efficient operating mechanisms for systematic management need to be developed. Also practical engineering control technology for desertification, armed with modern technology, has not yet been established. Furthermore, components and layers of ECPD have not been divided clearly and rationally. The operational standard is incomplete, and the setting and monitoring of projects are not well enough or even absent as the progress is uneven among different ministries. Much needed experts and other relevant talents are running off desertification area for many reasons, etc. In view of the above, the force to deal with desertification is weak at present inChina. 6. Development of ECPD is the basic way to solve desertification problem. 7. It is suggested to practice ECPD based on the "pyramid" model. 8. ECPD could be divided into 20 sub projects. 9. Priority should be given to initiating experiments and demonstrations in a special region. 10. Efforts should be made to control and prevent desertification within 30 years in China. 11. The best period to completely develop ECPD in China is now. 12. Four principles should be set for the construction of ECPD. 13. Nine fundamental policies are also needed. 14. To initiate ECPD is full of significance in both China and the world.