Policy settings to combat grassland degradation and promote sustainable development in western China

Addressing complex, multi-dimensional and substantive challenges posed by grassland degradation and the goal of sustainable development in China's pastoral region involves not only the management of grasslands but also the management of livestock, people and industry structures. China has embarked on major policy reforms in areas such as market liberalisation, structural adjustment and industry modernisation, but these reforms need to be tailored to the pastoral region if they are to meet the particular challenges of the region. Similarly, specific technical innovations to restore the balance between livestock and grassland systems need to be aligned with household resources, knowledge systems and management practices if they are to be effective and if unforeseen, perverse effects are to be avoided