The Qing-Long model: China provides a solution to the karst rocky desertification challenge

Abstract

Karst rocky desertification is a process of land degradation that involves serious soil erosion, severe decrease in soil productivity, extensive exposure of basement rocks, and the appearance of a desert-like landscape. Rocky desertification is caused by various factors and is considered a major socio-environmental problem. Furthermore, it triggers a serious threat to the ecological security and downgrades sustainable economic and social development. Unfortunately, in China karst rocky desertification is occurring in tropical and subtropical terrains of South China, especially in the Southwestern regions. Which severely limits local socio-economic development. In this paper, the natural and anthropogenic factors that cause karst rocky desertification are analyzed. To mitigate the severity of rocky desertification, the Chinese government has implemented many ecological projects in degraded regions during the past 40 years; indeed, encouraging results were achieved. In these thorough studies, the “Qing-Long Model” was proven to be a successful model for the restoration and treatment of rocky karst desertification in Southwestern China. This was reached by planting grass suitable for local growth and raising Qing-long goat (capra hircus), a local famous hybrid goat brand, which enhanced the ecological livestock husbandry in the karst mountains. Qing-long model is not only applicable for China, but also to other countries that face similar karst environmental problems as well. Through Qing-long model, China provides a solution to the karst rocky desertification challenge, consequently, environmental problems will be mitigated and social, ecological, and economic development will flourish again.