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The dry lands and deserts of the world have been, and are being,
damaged and made less productive by mismanagement. The causes of
desertification are complex and often interconnected: overgrazing;
over-cutting for firewood and timber; inappropriate farming; poor
irrigation management leading to problems with salinity, alkalinity
and water-logging; mining; construction of highways and utility
corridors; fire suppression; military operations; air pollution; the
introduction of exotic animals and plants; recreational activities,
particularly off-road vehicle recreation; industrial projects;
climate change; housing; and urbanization.
Once damaged, deserts are very difficult to repair, but I have
demonstrated that it can be done. This work combined with research
and restoration by many others, here, and in other areas of the
world, provides new hope for the world's arid lands.
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