Historical evolution and the effects of ecological management in Tarim Basin,China

The Tarim Basin, in northwestern China, is the largest continental basin in the world, and hosts desert landscapes as well as extensive oasis agriculture. Many horticultural products come from this basin. However, since the 1950s, frequent river flow interruptions have occurred in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. Thus, the natural ecology of the basin has undergone significant changes because of recent human economic and social activities. In particular, water resource development and utilization along with climate changes have had a significant impact on the area. To prevent further deterioration of the environment, the Central Government implemented a water conveyance project in 2000. Based on this project, Chinese scientists, together with those from overseas, have conducted extensive research on the historical evolution of the area, and the physiological and ecological responses of the natural vegetation around the Tarim Desert Highway. Progress has been made in the areas of environmental protection and ecological conservation.