Goals and Principles for Combating Aeolian Desertification

Land degradation neutrality (LDN) is the overall goal proposed by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) for combating desertification. Based on the framework of LDN, this chapter proposes sustainable development, poverty eradication, and land management as subgoals for restoring desertified lands globally. These three subgoals have not yet been achieved, although decades of efforts have been implemented. The relevant principles have not been implemented, and this lack of implementation may be one of the fundamental causes of not achieving these subgoals. To better understand these principles, this chapter provides a detailed introduction to aeolian desertification and restoration in the Minqin Oasis, which is located in northwestern China. Based on the experience and lessons obtained from Minqin and other regions of China, the author recommends nine principles for achieving the three subgoals and LDN. These principles are also suitable for controlling and restoring areas experiencing aeolian desertification.