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Oasis expansion: An insight into the groundwater depletion, socio-ecological impacts, and management strategies
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DOI：10.1016/j.envdev.2026.101475.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Oases are dynamic, productive, and fragile landscapes essential for human life and economic development in drylands. Oases play a crucial role in supporting almost all the population of arid regions and contribute significantly up to 95% of their gross domestic product. However, population growth, increased food demand, and the quest for sustainable livelihoods are driving rapid oasis expansion, thereby leading to an increased demand for water, primarily for agricultural use. This can lead to the over-extraction of groundwater exacerbated by climate change, potentially depleting aquifers, thereby increasing the risk of soil salinization, desertification, and biodiversity loss. Additionally, the competition for limited natural resources in oases areas can also contribute to population displacement, social tensions, and conflicts within communities Furthermore, it also hinders the attainment of different sustainable development goals (SDGs). Therefore, we delve into the threats posed by rapid oasis expansion on groundwater sustainability under climate change, its socio-ecological impacts, and strategies to balance oasis growth with sustainable groundwater use. This review underscores the imperative need for overarching and coherent groundwater management through better governance (consisting of well-functioning institutions, supportive policies, strong legal frameworks, and local expertise), conjunctive groundwater uses, and manged aquifer recharge. Moreover, mobilizing the local community through capacity building and awareness via training sessions and practical demonstrations, promoting environmental stewardship, and endorsing a sense of ownership can ensure sustainable groundwater use and the proper functioning of oases. Additionally, incorporating the use of indigenous knowledge alongside modern scientific methods, enhancing adaptive management against climatic challenges, encouraging crop switching, efficient water use, and agroforestry practices, as well as incentivizing sustainable practices and the adoption of modern technology, further strengthens these efforts. These management approaches are particularly relevant to policymakers focused on sustainable oasis resource management, as these areas are crucial for both the local economy and the resilience of ecosystems.
Keywords:
Arid lands
Desertification
Groundwater depletion
Oases expansion
Soil reclamation
Sustainable development
Water scarcity
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