In recent years, grassland ecosystems have faced numerous ecological challenges that have threatened their long-term sustainability. This has been exacerbated by the legacy of historical factors that have contributed to the current state of grassland degradation and new ecological problems that have emerged in recent years.
One of the primary factors contributing to grassland degradation is the increase in livestock and the decline in efficiency, which has created an adverse cycle.
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has reported that approximately 90% of the country's grasslands are experiencing varying degrees of degradation and sanding, with the conflict between livestock and the grassland being the main cause of ecological poverty.
The homogenization of the industrial chain has also harmed herders, leading to a decrease in their income and an increase in poverty differentiation.
Another factor that has contributed to the challenges facing grassland ecosystems is the acceleration of "urbanization" in pastoral areas and the "hollowing out" of the grasslands. This has led to uncertainty in the space available for grassland recuperation.
The concentration of people, property, and materials in pastoral settlement towns has resulted in excessive pressure on these areas, making it difficult for pastoral autonomy to be achieved.
The "hollowing out" of the grasslands has also led to new ecological problems, as it has disrupted the cooperative base of mobile herders, weakened the supervision and deterrence of poaching and stealing of grassland plants and animals, and reduced the ability of grasslands to resist natural risks.
To address these ecological challenges, a comprehensive and integrated approach is needed. This approach should involve the implementation of various measures to improve the sustainability of grassland ecosystems, such as:
Strengthening the management of grassland ecosystems: This can be achieved by implementing various measures to promote sustainable land use practices and reduce the pressure on grassland ecosystems.
This could include improving the management of grazing activities, controlling the number of livestock, and promoting the restoration of degraded grasslands.
Encouraging the development of alternative livelihoods: This could involve supporting the development of alternative livelihoods for herders, such as ecotourism, and promoting the development of industries that are compatible with the grassland ecosystem.
Promoting scientific research: Scientific research can help to improve our understanding of the ecological challenges facing grassland ecosystems and inform the development of effective strategies to address these challenges.
Encouraging public participation: Public participation is critical for the effective management and conservation of grassland ecosystems. This could involve the participation of local communities in grassland management and the development of grassland conservation programs.
Enhancing international cooperation: The conservation of grassland ecosystems is a global issue that requires international cooperation. This could involve the exchange of information and experiences, as well as the development of joint projects and initiatives.
The protection and restoration of grassland ecology are of critical importance in the current era of ecological civilization.
Although progress has been made in recent years to curb the overall trend of grassland degradation, the situation of grassland ecological fragility remains serious, and the challenges faced by grassland ecosystems in the context of climate change are significant.
