BrazilTechnologies to tackle land degradation in arid and hyper-arid regions
How can the world better tackle the challenges that come with arid and hyper-arid regions? A new report from Arthur D. Little delves into the matter, putting forward five key technologies that can circumvent water scarcity and facilitate green cover growth.
Arid regions are areas parts of the world characterized by a low content of organic matter and water scarcity, basically meaning that little or nothing can grow naturally and that natural ecosystems are fragile. According to UNNCD data, arid zones cover around 16% of the planet’s land surface.
Hyper-arid regions are areas where those issues are exacerbated, typically dryland areas without vegetation, with the exception of a few scattered shrubs. Hyper arid regions cover around 8% of the Earth’s surface.
A common challenge for both arid and hyper-arid regions is land degradation – a process where land becomes less healthy and productive due to a combination of human activities (i.e. over-farming) or natural conditions (i.e. climate change).
“The challenges presented by land degradation are both urgent and acute,” said Carlo Stella, partner at Arthur D. Little. To put the issue into perspective, Stella pointed at an estimate from the UNNCD which said that approximately 16% of reported land globally counts as degraded, with economic losses projected to reach $23 trillion by 2050. “Land degradation directly impacts the lives of over 1.3 billion people.”
Putting technology to smart use
Part of the solutions should come from smart technology, said Arthur D. Little in its report ‘Pioneering a Sustainable Future for Hyper-Arid Regions’, which can speed up and improve green cover growth in (hyper) arid regions. “Pioneering innovative land-restoration strategies can provide a major boost to the quest for greenification,” said Marielli Bou Harb, partner at the global strategy consulting firm.
Following an in-depth analysis of technologies available (and forthcoming), the report presents a list of five key technologies which have the potential to “revolutionize sustainable land management practices” in arid and hyper-arid landscapes:
- AI for integrated land management. AI tools can optimize the lifecycle of land restoration and afforestation projects and are particularly helpful in hyper-arid environments.
- Composting and vermicomposting. Composting relies on microbial decomposition; vermicomposting uses earthworms to accelerate the process. Both create valuable compost that improves soil health, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, and promotes sustainable waste management.
- Genetic engineering. Genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, offer powerful tools for modifying the genetic makeup of plants to enhance their resilience to the harsh conditions of hyper-arid environments.
- Biochar. Biochar is a stable form of charcoal produced from the pyrolysis (heating in the absence of oxygen) of biomass. It enhances water retention, nutrient availability, and soil aeration, promoting plant growth even in challenging conditions.
- IoT-based sensors for land management. IoT-based sensors offer a robust way to optimize land management in hyper-arid regions. By providing real-time data, they enable data-driven decision making for precise irrigation, optimized resource use, and improved crop yields.
While these technologies are already a reality somewhere on the planet, the report said that public-private partnerships, expanded funding, continued research & development, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border collaboration will be essential to fully unlock the potential and bring the benefits to fruition.
