Desertification - 3

Question 1

Describe a national response to desertification.

Evaluate it’s success.

Answer 1

In 1978, China initiated the ‘Great Green Wall’ project. It involves a series of human planted wind breaking shelterbelts, designed to hold back the expansion of the Gobi Desert. In 2003, the project initiated two methods: the use of aerial seeding to cover wide areas of land, and the offering of cash incentives to farmers to plant trees and shrubs. From 2003 to 2009, tree cover had increased from 12% to 18%. However, in 2008, winter storms had destroyed 10% of the new forest stock.

Question 2

List positives to the great green wall.

Answer 2

Increased forest cover
Decreased sand storms
Increased frost free days
Improved crop yields

Question 3

List negatives to the great green wall.

Answer 3

Groundwater levels have dropped by 12-19 metres since the start of the project.

Decline in biodiversity due to monoculture plantations. This creates forests that are not suitable for various plants and animals. Trees are also more susceptible to disease. In 2000, 1 billion poplar trees were lost to disease.

It would take 300 years to reclaim the land that has become desert at the present rate.

Question 4

Describe the a spatial technology used to assess and manage desertification.

Answer 4

China undertakes a comprehensive survey into desertification every 5 years. They use two techniques, remote sensing and a ground survey. By using Landsat, they place remote sensing images over topographical maps on a computer, in order to determine areas of desertification. The ground survey monitors conditions of desertification, soil and vegetation type, and land uses in different areas.

Question 5

List a global response to desertification.

Answer 5

In 1994, the United Nations Convention for Combatting Desertification UNCCD was founded. The UNCCD takes action on and encourages regions and individuals to develop their own plans for preventing dryland degradation. 194 countries have signed the convention to develop National Action plans. However, the programs rely on donations from developed countries, many of which do little to help.