A cooperation agreement entitled “Studies on karst rocky desertification control in Stone Forest” was signed between XTBG and Stone Forest Scenic Area Administration on April 20.

As representatives of the two sides, Prof. Dr. Cao Min, deputy director of XTBG, and Mr. Li Zhengping, director of Stone Forest Scenic Area Administration, signed the agreement.

Scientists from Restoration Ecology Research Group of XTBG have gained much experience in controlling rocky desertification in karst areas in Guizhou province.

Upon signing of the cooperation agreement, XTBG scientists will work to make a systematic summary of the accumulated experience gained in tackling karst geological problems in Guizhou and determine effective measures to restore the degraded ecosystems in Stone Forest.

While restoring the vegetation, scientists will take account of natural environmental protection and sightseeing.

Present at the signing ceremony were Prof. Wang Qingli of CAS Kunming Branch and other related officials of local government of Shilin County.

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Karst rocky desertification refers to the processes which transform a karst area that was covered by vegetation and soil into a rocky landscape almost devoid of soil and vegetation. It is a process of land degradation involving serious soil erosion, extensive exposure of basement rocks, drastic decrease of land productivity and the apperance of a desert-like landscape.

Yunnan province is located in the center of rocky desertification area and is one of provinces with wide karst regions in China.

Rocky desertification is a serious ecological problem and it leads to progressive impoverishment of the local residents in Yunnan.