cultivation of lands where there is a high risk of crop failure and a very low economic return is
also a main factor of desertification. When the practices described above coincide with drought,
the rate of desertification increases dramatically. Increasing human population and poverty
further contribute to the problem of desertification, as poor people may be forced to overuse
their environment in the short term, without the ability to plan for the long term effects of their
actions. For example, where livestock has a social importance beyond food, people have been
reluctant to reduce their stock numbers.
Fighting desertification
Due to the scale and severity of Gobi’s situation, governmental involvement has become
important in the attempts to fight desertification. The Mongolian government, with the aid of
the United Nations, has introduced the sustainable land management and a “Great Green Wall”.
With the “Green Wall”, a long barrier made of pines, willows, junipers, thorn bushes and other
trees, Mongolia aims to protect itself from the sand of Gobi desert, gathered by storms of central
Asia and transported towards the east. At the same time, the Chinese government has also taken
different measures to combat desertification. First, by strengthening and solidifying sand dunes
to prevent desert expansion through laying grass patches and building sand prevention walls.
Second, by developing consolidated farming to prevent excessive grazing and promoting an
alternate cultivation and fallow system to preserve the fertility of land. Third, by optimizing the
structure of plantation, and promoting precision irrigation systems through advanced technologies
learned from countries like Israel. Furthermore, herders suffering from land degradation are
educated to change their mindset and attitude, so that there is certain export of labor from the
regions to ease the over-dependence on the land. Meanwhile, people are encouraged to adjust their
economic structures to promote higher value added industries away from agriculture. Last but
not least, conservation of the valuable water resources also helps with curing and containing the
further worsening of desertification.
Conclusion
The Gobi desert can be an exotic tourist destination that promises splendid scenery. But don’t
forget, almost one quarter of the world’s population lives in the region that is being affected by
the desertification of the Gobi desert. This vast population depends on the security of the food
and water supply; however, the desertification is threatening their survival. This is not going to
be just a regional problem, but the potential humanitarian crisis for the entire world. The many
health issues created by the sandstorms and the thick haze are affecting not only the populations
of Mongolia and China, but many other countries as well. Therefore, actions must be taken with a
sense of urgency to stop the worsening desertification of the Gobi desert, in order to serve the best
interest of mankind.
Bibliography
1. Hong Kong Young Writers Awards. Gobi Desert. 2013. Photograph. Facebook, Hong Kong.
Web. 5 Jan 2014. <
.211767352930&type=3>.
2. Encyclopedia, Britannica. “Gobi.” Animal Life. 2014. <school.ebonline.com>.
