Towards Sustainable Use of Rangelands in China's North West is based on the program of the International Conference Implementing GEF Objectives in a Systems Framework held in Lanzhou, Gansu, China in October 2008. This collection reviews the extent of resource debasement in China's pastoral zones and offers solutions for their sustainable use. The five parts deal with ran- lands, and the people who manage them, and assess prospects for implementation of more sustainable rangeland/livestock production systems. Topics include Livestock husbandry development and agro-pastoral integration in Gansu and Xinjiang; Ecological restoration and control of rangeland degradation. Despite widespread degradation, the articles reveal the approaches that are likely to lead to recovery of these rangelands and better livelihoods for the local herders and farmers. Two chapters are devoted to the achievement of global environmental objectives. Carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation in mountaingrasslands are just a few of the covered subjects. This portion of the book pays special attention to the successful results in Gansu and Xinjiang - major regions of China's pastoral lands. The final division addresses measures to improve the profitability and susta- ability of herding and farming in the pastoral areas of north-west China There are fifteen chapters on subjects that include: Livestock management, Rangeland management interventions, Agro-pastoral integration, Improved animal husbandry practices as a basis for profitability. Land tenure and access, Environmental education, Ecological Restoration and New Management approaches for China's northwest pastoral areas.
From the reviews:
"The chapters are clearly presented and the summaries of key points at the beginning of each chapter are very useful. The book also benefits from the contemporary nature of the data set on which it draws; this is especially important in the context of rapid political, economic, and climate change. ... In summary, this is a valuable book that will undoubtedly be of interest to scholars of pastoralism and of the region." (Caroline Upton, Mountain Research and Development, Vol. 31 (2), May, 2011)
"The chapters are clearly presented and the summaries of key points at the beginning of each chapter are very useful. The book also benefits from the contemporary nature of the data set on which it draws; this is especially important in the context of rapid political, economic, and climate change. ... In summary, this is a valuable book that will undoubtedly be of interest to scholars of pastoralism and of the region." (Caroline Upton, Mountain Research and Development, Vol. 31 (2), May, 2011)
"Towards Sustainable Use of Rangelands in North-West China to be thoughtful, well structured, informative ... and readable. The contributing authors provide an accessible introduction to the challenges facing North-West China's rangelands and document a variety of practical approaches to address these. Recommended for readers with an interest in social and environmental change, mountain ecosystems, and natural resource management." (Hilary Howes, Asian Highlands Perspectives, Vol. 40, 2016)
"The chapters are clearly presented and the summaries of key points at the beginning of each chapter are very useful. The book also benefits from the contemporary nature of the data set on which it draws; this is especially important in the context of rapid political, economic, and climate change. ... In summary, this is a valuable book that will undoubtedly be of interest to scholars of pastoralism and of the region." (Caroline Upton, Mountain Research and Development, Vol. 31 (2), May, 2011)
"The chapters are clearly presented and the summaries of key points at the beginning of each chapter are very useful. The book also benefits from the contemporary nature of the data set on which it draws; this is especially important in the context of rapid political, economic, and climate change. ... In summary, this is a valuable book that will undoubtedly be of interest to scholars of pastoralism and of the region." (Caroline Upton, Mountain Research and Development, Vol. 31 (2), May, 2011)