Desertification, a challenge for future generations/the role of public participation in desertification projects

According to the social reporter of Moj News Agency, Rishabli Desertification It is one of the problems that have threatened and endangered modern man and societies. The destructive effects of desertification on societies and nations are evident, so that it causes irreparable damage. This phenomenon as an obstacle in the path of growth Economic Development Infested areas are considered harmful. This will put pressure on the economy and other social aspects in urban life, and on the other hand, it will lead to the destruction of the traditional livestock farming system. Also, migrations of pastoralists and desert dwellers cause psychological and moral tensions and crises among the nomads due to the disadvantages and problems caused by desertification.

Statistics show that every year about 12 million hectares of agricultural lands, pastures and forests are turned into deserts. Experts in this field are of the opinion that, at the global level, if the destruction of land and agricultural lands continues towards desertification with the current trend, the production of food products in the world will decrease by 12%. In our country, according to the latest estimates, one million hectares have been added to the country’s deserts every year, and on the other hand, desertification programs have been implemented in only 300,000 hectares. Also, 30 million hectares of the country’s soil is exposed to wind erosion.

The development of deserts all over the world was such that it became one of the significant issues of ecology and environment, and June 17, corresponding to June 27, has been named as the World Day of Desertification around the world.

Causes of desertification and its distribution in the world

“Alireza Aslaninia”, a prominent expert in the field of geology, said: “Desertification occurs under the influence of mutual factors of unstable, sensitive and fragile environmental conditions of dry areas and human exploitation of land in order to provide livelihood.” The obvious characteristic of this phenomenon is the biological reduction of desert areas, which causes the destruction of natural resources and pastures and turns them into deserts.

According to him, the problem of desertification has become important in the world since the last few decades. For this purpose, various departments of the United Nations have organized several conferences on environmental issues and natural resources. Desertification in the poor and underdeveloped countries of the world has had a faster process, and this is associated with greater poverty, the spread of diseases, malnutrition and weakness.

Effective factors in desertification and ways to deal with it

Enumerating various factors in the expansion of deserts, this environmental expert added: In the meantime, the role of human destruction should not be ignored. Digging of deep wells and excessive use of underground water table and urban and industrial development which has become popular in Iran since decades ago has become one of the most important causes of desertification in Iran. Therefore, the planting of resistant trees and plants suitable for dry areas, the balance of livestock and pastures to protect vegetation, prevent the destruction and unprincipled conversion of forests and pastures, the restoration of salt marshes, and most importantly, the preservation of underground water sources and the prevention of drilling wells Deepening and emptying of underground aquifers can be one of the future solutions to desertification.

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The area of ​​deserts in the country has reached more than 32 million hectares

Climate changes and lack of water resources effective in desertification

Pointing out that Iran is located in an arid and semi-arid region, Aslaniya pointed out that it is necessary to take the necessary measures in this direction with optimal and expert management. Implementation of projects such as planting trees in different deserts of the country with public support can prevent the progress of sand storms so that farmers’ crops are not damaged.

He added: Also, our country has joint plans with the United Nations and FAO, or the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, due to drought and the presence of various deserts. 20 desert provinces carry out joint projects in the field of reducing greenhouse gases and rural development with the focus on environmental resources in cooperation with the United Nations. Continuous cooperation of people in the field of planting saplings, bushes, etc. in desert areas and providing the necessary training can get the country out of the existing crises in the field of drought and the expansion of desert areas.

Transferring the exploitation of natural resources to the people

Aslaniya, one of the most effective ways to attract people’s participation is creating motivation for participation and stated: Emphasizing the importance of values ​​can be very effective in the direction of desertification, at the same time, the role of economic incentives should not be ignored. Therefore, handing over areas for revival and exploitation in the form of different plans can be useful for attracting people’s participation.