United Nations Earth Summit+5 Success Stories - Desert Reclamation using Shelterbelts

EARTH SUMMIT+5
Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise
the Implementation of Agenda 21
New York, 23-27 June 1997

SUCCESS STORIES FROM PAKISTAN

Desert Reclamation using Shelterbelts

Location Thal Desert, Punjab, Pakistan

Responsible organization(s) UNEP

Description The Thal area is tropical sandy desert spread over 2 million hectares (ha) and more than 90% of the area consists of varying depths of sand. Winds are characteristics of the Thal desert which continue to blow in different directions throughout the year. This land led to creation of sand dunes of various size throughout the area. Indiscriminate grazing of livestock and ruthless cutting of trees and shrubs has further accentuated the situation. Even roads and civil structures were under danger. Tree planting across the wind direction as shelterbelts was initiated by a PARC sponsored project in the area. Tamarix aphyila proved to be a very successful species for this purpose. Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Zisyphus mauritiana and Acacia hilotica were also used for this purpose. Now these windbreaks can be seen in vast area of the Thal desert. Fifty villages are involved in the project area.

Issues addressed Land degradation.

Objectives Desert reclamation.

Results achieved About 20,000 ha have been reclaimed and are now arable. All crops including wheat, pluses and even vegetables are being grown in the area. Also intensity of the sand storms has decreased. Reclamation made the area suitable for crop cultivation, production of timber and fuelwood enhancing farmer income dramatically.

Lessons learned The tree species used as shelterbelts well adopted to the area, being resistant to drought, grazing and mechanical injury of sand (especially Tamarix aphylla). The farmers were inspired by great success of these species and they accepted this technology for wider adoption.

Financing Government of Pakistan, Local Farmers.

Contact UNEP, Dryland Ecosystems and Desertification Control Programme Activity Centre
P.o.Box 30552 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel (254 2) 623285
Fax (254 2) 623284 E-mail: dcpacinf@unep.no

Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
1 November 1997

	Desert Reclamation using Shelterbelts
	Location	Thal Desert, Punjab, Pakistan
	Responsible organization(s)	UNEP
	Description	The Thal area is tropical sandy desert spread over 2 million hectares (ha) and more than 90% of the area consists of varying depths of sand. Winds are characteristics of the Thal desert which continue to blow in different directions throughout the year. This land led to creation of sand dunes of various size throughout the area. Indiscriminate grazing of livestock and ruthless cutting of trees and shrubs has further accentuated the situation. Even roads and civil structures were under danger. Tree planting across the wind direction as shelterbelts was initiated by a PARC sponsored project in the area. Tamarix aphyila proved to be a very successful species for this purpose. Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Zisyphus mauritiana and Acacia hilotica were also used for this purpose. Now these windbreaks can be seen in vast area of the Thal desert. Fifty villages are involved in the project area.
	Issues addressed	Land degradation.
	Objectives	Desert reclamation.
	Results achieved	About 20,000 ha have been reclaimed and are now arable. All crops including wheat, pluses and even vegetables are being grown in the area. Also intensity of the sand storms has decreased. Reclamation made the area suitable for crop cultivation, production of timber and fuelwood enhancing farmer income dramatically.
	Lessons learned	The tree species used as shelterbelts well adopted to the area, being resistant to drought, grazing and mechanical injury of sand (especially Tamarix aphylla). The farmers were inspired by great success of these species and they accepted this technology for wider adoption.
	Financing	Government of Pakistan, Local Farmers.
	Contact	UNEP, Dryland Ecosystems and Desertification Control Programme Activity Centre P.o.Box 30552 Nairobi, Kenya Tel (254 2) 623285 Fax (254 2) 623284 E-mail: dcpacinf@unep.no