Research Rocky Desertification Wenshan

Rocky desertification is widely distributed in southwest provinces of China,especially in Yunnan Province. Wenshan Prefecture in Yunnan Province, as one ofthe worst areas, has a wide-ranging distribution, deep level and large hazards of rockydesertification. Some areas have even fallen into the vicious cycle of populationgrowth, ecological degradation and poverty. Rocky desertification has seriouslyrestricted the sustainable development of the local economy and society.This thesis selects Wenshan Prefecture as the research target, applying methodsand theories in environmental economics, ecological anthropology and sustainabledevelopment. Based on a brief introduction of Wenshan Prefecture, rich literaturecollected and anthropological fieldwork in rocky desertification areas, it elaboratesand analyzes the distribution, forming causes and hazards of rocky desertification inWenshan Prefecture. This thesis focuses on the study of the prevention and controlwork of rocky desertification in Wenshan Prefecture, pointing out what we can learnfrom the Wenshan practices, and gives advices on what can be noticed and improved.Preliminary conclusions drawn through the research are as follows:(1)Rocky desertification is widely distributed in Wenshan Prefecture, but shouldbe prevented and controlled differentially for in various regions as the degrees of itsdistributions are different. Potential rocky desertification accounts for a largeproportion. Its prevention can’t be neglected. Natural factors form the basis of rockydesertification while human factors are the underlying causes which accelerate theemergence and development of rocky desertification.(2)Rocky desertification causes lack of water and soil, ecological deteriorationand frequent natural disasters in many regions in Wenshan Prefecture, simultaneouslybringing about many economic and social problems.(3)In2010, the ecological footprint of Wenshan Prefecture was2.6312hm2perperson, and the ecological capacity is1.2125hm2per person, and Wenshan had anecological deficit of1.4187hm2per person. Taking into consideration the wide-spread karst landforms and serious rocky desertification problems of Wenshan,we believe that rocky desertification has largely caused disharmony betweendevelopment and environment, and therefore the prevention and control of rockydesertification is essential to Wenshan’s sustainable development.(4)Wenshan Prefecture has obtained ecological, economic and social benefitsthrough its multifaceted efforts in the prevention and control of rocky desertification.Some of its methods and ways of development are worth learning. But at present,areas that have not been cured are still large, and subsequent treating work will bemore difficult. Actual gains and effects of some implemented projects are still unclearand are pending for the time to test. Follow-up work of some rocky desertificationprevention and control projects has not been in place and needs to be improved.(5)Judging from the current situation of rocky desertification prevention andcontrol, we believe that subsequent work in this field should pay attention to thefollowing matters: coordingating rocky desertification prevention and control workwith the regional development; paying close attention to the interests of ordinarypeople; encouraging participating of all shareholders, highlighting the strength of thelocal people; depending on laws and regulations; seeking appropriate industries anddevelopment directions as a fundamental way for rocky desertification regions to getrid of the vicious circle of poverty and ecological deterioration; adoptingcomprehensive measures that suit local conditions to prevent and treat rockydesertification.