Impact of Natural and Human Factors on Desertification Processes in Xinjiang and Proposed Solutions

Abstract

Land desertification in Xinjiang poses severe threats to ecological security, economic development, and human health. The Taklamakan Desert and Gurbantunggut Desert serve as typical examples, characterized by extreme aridity, precipitation-evaporation imbalance, and
fragile ecosystems. This study systematically analyzes the current state of desertification in Xinjiang and its impacts. Driving factors include
water resource imbalances caused by warming and moistening climates, frequent extreme weather events, and intensified human activities
such as industrialization. Existing management approaches primarily encompass three categories: grass-grid sand fixation, desert agriculture,
and desert pastoralism. However, these solutions face challenges, including high maintenance costs and unstable benefits. Future development
directions include monitoring multi-source data, ecosystem restoration, and implementing multi-stakeholder collaboration mechanisms to
achieve sustainable ecological and economic development.