Combatting desertification scientifically: Where feasible, where necessary

Authors

Bojie FU, State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, ChinaFollow
Yanxu LIU, State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Disaster Risk Reduction, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Shuai WANG, State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Disaster Risk Reduction, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Yijia WANG, School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
Guipeng CUI, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Institute of Great Green Wall, Beijing 100091, China
Yue GUO, International Technological Innovation Center for Desertification Control, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ordos 017010, China

Keywords

combat desertification, ecological restoration baseline, ecosystem service trade-offs, drylands, Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

China has made remarkable achievements in combating desertification, achieving “zero net growth” in land degradation. With the goal of scientifically improving the relationship between humans and nature in drylands, the continuous exploration of new concepts, methods, and pathways for scientific desertification control will contribute to advancing the harmony between humans and nature in China’s drylands. Based on the definitions of desertification, ecological restoration baselines, and the contributions of nature to humans, we clarified the scientific implications of “controlling desertification where it is feasible and necessary”. We discussed the shift in China’s desertification prevention and control direction from “humans advancing while deserts retreat” to “harmonious coexistence between humans and deserts”, and from “expanding green spaces” to “green development” in the new era. Guided by the principle of “harnessing the power of nature” and aiming to “benefit people’s livelihoods and well-being”, we proposed four recommendations: strengthening the protection of pristine deserts, improving desertified rangeland management efficiency, enhancing the “four functions” of protection forests (as reservoirs, green banks, carbon sinks, and ecological barriers), and adapting to climate change in drylands. These measures are designated to scientifically promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature in drylands.

First page

490

Last Page

498

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

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Recommended Citation

FU, Bojie; LIU, Yanxu; WANG, Shuai; WANG, Yijia; CUI, Guipeng; and GUO, Yue (2026) "Combatting desertification scientifically: Where feasible, where necessary," Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version): Vol. 41 : Iss. 3 , Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3724/j.issn.1000-3045.20260127001
Available at: https://bulletinofcas.researchcommons.org/journal/vol41/iss3/6