Causes of Sandstorm Disaster and Strategies against Desertification——A Case Study of Hexi Corridor in Northwest China

This case study outlines the problems faced by the peoples of the Hexi Corridor. These problems are serious and urgent, and are representative of those faced by other communities right across western China. The root causes are outlined and some remedies are suggested. The practical measures proposed under China's National Action Plan to Combat Desertification are described and discussed.

This case study outlines the problems faced by the peoples of the Hexi Corridor. These problems are serious and urgent, and are representative of those faced by other communities right across western China. The root causes are outlined and some remedies are suggested. The practical measures proposed under China's National Action Plan to Combat Desertification are described and discussed.1. During the last four decades, great efforts have been made to combat desertification and control sand disasters in the Hexi Corridor, a vast arid area in China s western region.2. The direct economic losses of desertification, including frequent and damaging dust storms are considerable and the effects are not restricted to the local region.3. Despite these efforts desertification is on the increase as a result of conflicting palicies, irrational use of resources (such as water), inappropriate land-use, lack of finance, and the effects of poverty.4. An urgent rescue mission needs to be mounted. The blueprintfor this has been developed as part of China's National Action Plan to Combat Desertification.