Saudi experts explore experience of Gansu Desert Control Research Institute in China in combatting desertification

In a collaborative effort to combat desertification, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Center of Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) embarked on a study visit to the Gansu Desert Control Research Institute in China (GDCRI). This visit comes after an extensive online exchange capacity-building programme focused on land degradation control, forest management, rangeland preservation, and the establishment of national parks. The study visit aimed to gain practical insights and knowledge from the GDCRI expertise in tackling desertification and promoting sustainable land management practices. 

Addressing land degradation and desertification challenges

Land degradation and desertification pose significant threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and food security worldwide. Recognizing the urgency of addressing these challenges, FAO and NCVC have been actively working together to enhance capacities in combating land degradation and promoting sustainable land management in Saudi Arabia. 

Online Exchange Capacity Building

The online exchange capacity building programme, organized by FAO and GDCRI, provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among global experts, researchers, and practitioners in the field. The programme focused on land degradation assessment methods and techniques, best practices in land degradation control, forest management practices and technologies, sustainable rangeland preservation methods, and the establishment and management of national parks among others. 

Visit to Gansu Desert Control Research Institute

Following the successful online exchange programme, FAO organized a study tour to China in close collaboration with GDCRI to explore China's extensive experience, best practices and advanced technologies in combating desertification and reducing sand encroachment. Located in China, the Gansu Desert Control Research Centre is renowned for its pioneering work in desertification control, ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management and monitoring desertification. Fourteen participants, representing FAO, NCVC and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), gained valuable knowledge of innovative approaches in combating and monitoring desertification, which improved their technical skills and inspired them to implement pilot projects in their respective regions. 

During the visit, participants had the opportunity to explore GDCRI's research facilities, interact with experts, and witness first-hand the projects and initiatives implemented to combat desertification. Field visits were organized to observe successful Chinese land rehabilitation projects, afforestation efforts, and the use of innovative technologies, such as sand-fixation and water conservation methods. The participants also engaged in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions to exchange experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. 

Key Outcomes and Future Implications

The study tour to China and GDCRI was an exceptional experience and delivered great results with far-reaching implications. Participants gained valuable knowledge and practical insights into effective land degradation control measures, innovative technologies for ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management practices. The visit also facilitated networking and collaboration among experts and practitioners, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences. 

The experiences and lessons learned from the visit will undoubtedly contribute to the development of targeted strategies, policies, and projects in combating land degradation and desertification. By integrating the knowledge gained from the GDCRI into their respective regions’ initiatives, FAO and NCVC can further enhance their efforts to restore degraded lands, conserve forests and rangelands, and establish and manage national parks effectively. 

The study tour to China and the GDCRI marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of FAO and NCVC to combat land degradation and desertification. By fostering knowledge exchange, capacity building, and practical learning experiences, this visit has helped equip experts and practitioners with the necessary tools to address these pressing environmental challenges. As the global community collectively works towards sustainable land management to ensure the achievement of related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such initiatives pave the way for a more resilient and vibrant ecosystem. Additionally, the study tour facilitated the development of an active network with Chinese institutes and researchers for a sustainable future.