Rangeland degradation and restoration management in China

Abstract

Rangelands of China have for centuries provided forage for livestock but now their role in water, soil, and biodiversity conservation is being recognised by Governments and people. However, much of the rangelands has recently degraded and desertification is now a widespread problem. The cause of the degradation is over-grazing and over-cultivation. Climate change is exacerbating the problem. The Chinese Governments have begun to address these severe problems through policy adjustments and projects. In parallel, some research and development is taking place. There are major impediments to addressing the problem; the importance of rangelands to China and its people are generally underestimated, legislative protection is incomplete and often ineffective, little attention is paid to scientific knowledge for development of management of natural resources, there is insufficient technological support, and Governments are not able to invest sufficiently to effectively restore and develop rangeland natural resources. However, with this background we propose how the problems might be more effectively addressed in the future.