The Fight Against the Desert.

Europe faces a serious threat of permanent desertification as deserts continue to encroach steadily from the south. The primary culprits behind this alarming trend are human activities, particularly deforestation and the booming mass tourism industry. In Spain, tourism is taking a toll on water resources, with popular destinations like Benidorm struggling with excessive water consumption. The city relies on only half of its water supply from local sources, exacerbating the strain on the environment. The combined pressures of tourism and industrial expansion are causing contamination, salinization of water sources, and waste management issues. The resulting water scarcity is wreaking havoc on the agricultural sector, forcing farmers to make the difficult decision of cutting down half of their fruit trees. This water shortage is not only impacting farmers but also leading to economic hardships for the wider community. Meanwhile, Iceland is grappling with its ecological crisis, transforming once-forested areas into vast barren lands due to human intervention. The desertification in Iceland is not solely due to water scarcity but also the nature of the soil, which hinders plant growth.

Overgrazing exacerbates the problem by damaging the land and preventing natural recovery processes. However, efforts to fence off damaged areas have shown immediate improvements in soil regeneration. Protecting the Earth from erosion and desertification is paramount, with strategies like using straw layers to safeguard the surface and promote plant growth. Spain's environmental challenges, including water scarcity and coastal developments, underscore the importance of striking a balance between urban expansion and environmental preservation for sustainable growth. Managing water resources is crucial, and it is imperative to address incompatible land uses such as golf courses. Spain is currently grappling with challenges like water scarcity and forest fires, largely due to unsustainable practices. In Southern Spain, the environmental devastation caused by fires and water scarcity is alarming. The struggle of Mediterranean plant species to recover from fires is exacerbated by thin soil and intense rain showers. Farmers are facing desperate water scarcity, resulting in dried-out fields and an uncertain future. In Iceland, efforts to combat desertification are actively pursued through land reclamation programs. The National Soil Conservation Service in Iceland tills volcanic land, sows seeds, and uses fertilizer to reclaim barren strips. Nearly a quarter of farmers in Iceland are engaged in land reclamation schemes, looking after thousands of hectares of land.

The oldest farm in Iceland used to be surrounded by beech wood, but over the past millennium, all the trees were cut down. The farmer at Keld is continuing the land reclamation efforts initiated by ancestors, constructing walls out of lava rock to prevent sand intrusion and combating climate change through seeding and fertilizing the land. The quality of soil directly impacts water drainage, with poor soil either allowing water to seep through too quickly or not at all. Iceland's success in fighting desertification and sharing knowledge with other nations is commendable. Combatting erosion has significant economic implications, affecting industrial tourism and urban development. There is a pressing need for increased awareness and consciousness to effectively combat desertification. Achieving balanced water distribution is essential for preserving the environment in Aegina Key, Inner Mongolia. Builders' doubts about water distribution and its environmental impact must be addressed to ensure sustainable development. Efforts are being made to combat desertification in Inner Mongolia through the establishment of thousands of nurseries and the planting of bushes for desert preservation. However, the project is facing challenges such as scarce resources and slow plant growth.

The rapid growth of the catering and restaurant business in China is also contributing to environmental challenges, including wind erosion and overgrazing, leading to sandstorms and reduced livestock numbers. Additionally, the migration of workers to cities due to increasing desertification is posing difficulties for Mongolian herders as they struggle to adapt to their traditional way of life. Despite efforts to combat sandstorms with shelter belts, progress is lagging due to the unsuitability of Chinese crops for the Mongolian environment. The Yellow River transports vast quantities of sand and silt through Northern China, reshaping landscapes as it erodes deep canyons and valleys. The desert dust from the Yellow Plateau is carried downstream by the river, forming a sprawling Delta that was historically part of the Silk Road. Once a thriving city, Dunhuang now lies abandoned in the desert, but efforts are underway to restore its former glory as a renowned Silk Road night market. Transitioning from a farming community to a bustling tourist hub, Dunhuang boasts a rich history of multiculturalism and trade, with desert tourism now surpassing the revenue generated by the ancient Silk Road.

The expansion of the Gobi Desert poses a threat to agriculture, prompting China to launch the Great Green Wall Project to combat desertification through reforestation and sustainable land management practices. By planting trees like willows, acacias, spruces, and cypresses, as well as alfalfa, the soil fertility is restored and beneficial insects are attracted. Extensive reforestation initiatives are underway in China, with villagers in central regions actively participating in efforts to combat desertification and safeguard Beijing's water supply. A collaborative approach between forestry experts and farmers has proven successful in achieving reforestation goals and revitalizing the land.