INSERT TABLE 4 HERE
The impact/benefit for most of the mitigation programmes has not yet
been evaluated, limiting further improvement of the programmes. Besides,
current mitigation measures (of desertification) are still facing
up-hill challenges. That includes the tough questions of how to
concurrently take account of existing desertification control and
potential future problems relevant to global Climate Change that is
likely to result in exacerbated aridification, thus depleted groundwater
supplies (Amiraslani and Dragovich, 2011, Park et al., 2018, Reynolds et
al., 2007, Hughes et al., 2020). Additionally, it should be aware that
desertification processes are complicated, any single methods or single
approaches may be insufficient for desertification control, and a
comprehensive and long-term rehabilitation system should be encouraged
to implement, legislate, enact and enforce (Zhang and Huisingh, 2018).
The BRI countries should carry out in-depth collaborations to combat
desertification.
In fact, a trans-national or cross-boundary cooperation framework
established among the BRI countries to control desertification on 10
September 2017. The framework established on the sidelines of the
thirteenth session of the “Conference of the Parties ” (COP13)
to the “United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification ”
(UNCCD). That aims to help members cooperate on financing, information
sharing, training, and learn from each other via example projects
(Xinhua News Agency, 2017). Desertification has been largely mitigated
and controlled in large-spatial geographical areas via the
implementation of multiple large-scaled initiatives and Regional
Programs in China (Zhang and Huisingh, 2018; Wang et al., 2013; Tao,
2014). These successful experiences are obliging to control
desertification for the BRI regions (Zhang and Huisingh, 2018, Feng et
al., 2019, You et al., 2019, Lyu et al., 2020). Here, we encourage China
and all BRI-involved countries (located in dryness areas) to take this
opportunity and further collaborate closely with the UNCCD, in prior to
implement future cross-boundary transnational policies and practices
combating drought impacts, improving water resource management, and
halting deforestation; to mitigate and prevent further desertification.
5.2 Desertification
evaluation
In the BRI countries, methods employed for desertification evaluation
include quantitative research approaches (e.g. via mathematical models)
(e.g. Sepehr et al., 2007, Zehtabian et al., 2005, Miao et al., 2015),
indirect detection (Zhang and Huisingh, 2018, Erian et al., 2011, Dragan
et al., 2005, Turkes et al., 2020), direct observation and biophysical
measurements (e.g. measuring the tree and vegetation growth) (e.g. Li et
al., 2000, Su et al., 2010, Guo et al., 2014) (Table 5).