Argentina suffers from desertification, the process in which fertile land becomes desert, due to a deforestation, droughts or inappropriate land use. Currently, Argentina has more arid land then any othersouth american country, approximately over 6.5 billion square feet. 75% of land is affected by desertification, and 30% of the population (roughly nine million people) are directly affected.
As shown in the map, the red indicated lands severely impacted by desertification and the orange, lands that are moderately impacted. Most of the land that isn't indicated green, as rainforest areas, is affected by desertification.
There are many reasons why desertification is an issue in Argentina.
Poverty plays a large role. Those impoverished have used the now arid land for their daily needs. The forest provides a large resources for firewood. As a result, deforestation is a large contributor to the problem. In the last 75 years, 6.6% of the total forested lands have disappeared. The trees hold down the soil of the land, and with no roots, the soil will all erode. This results in an arid land and soil-less climate.
The land is also used for agriculture purposes. Overgrazing sheep causes a loss of vegetation as well as overuse of the soil for agriculture. Other causes of desertification have been linked to erosion due to water and wind, invasion of annuals and salt tolerant plants. the formation of sand dunes and the reduction of biodiversity.
In order to solve this problem, Argentina is looking to create a Regional Board for Desertification Control as well as setting up a priority system
and projects to demonstrate how to best use or not use the natural resources of Argentina. The use of a Geographic Information System application (see example image to the right), in order to raise awareness among local producers has also been suggested. A regional workshop in the Chaco region of Argentina was held regarding desertification. It was suggested to implement mechanisms for the control and monitoring of natural resources, to developeconomic incentives for people or business that show sustainability and to strengthen local communities by generating or reinforcing extension programs.
Sources:
http://find.galegroup.com/, article: First Global Scientific conference supporting UN efforts to curb desertification opens in Argentina.
Both of the sources you used are not available. Where could I find the information? Is there a site, you know, where the environmental impact of soil degradation in Argentina is explained in detail?
ReplyDeleteit is a big problem. Are there some progress?
ReplyDelete