Niektóre aspekty ochrony przyrody w strefie półsuchej - przykład afrykański

The problems related to nature conservation in the African semi-arid zone are discussed. The negative changes in the environment there have such a bearing upon traditional occupations of the population that the nature conservation problems are reduced to the law-enforced observance of the principles of rational land use. In substantiation of this approach use was made of the determination of major negative changes in the environment, the principal reasons for these changes and the measures to counteract them. The key role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of the desert limit area is played by natural vegetation. Its degradation initiates soil losses due to erosion, lowering of ground water level, and a gradual process of turning the area to a desert land. Among the chief reasons for these adverse changes in the environment is increased population density, excessive herds of farm animals, abandonment of the traditional grazing ways, as well as the economic pressure of new economic forms, and especially that of the rapidly growing cities. Countermeasures against these unfavorable phenomena should go beyond the nature conservation activities in a narrow meaning. A broader action is required which would account for the current characteristics of the pasture use and would control their possible intensification in accordance with the pasture potential. The accomplishment of these tasks in real life often meets with some difficulties, as these problems are actually complex socio-economic processes, rather than technical questions. The solutions of these problems are critical for the preservation of the resources of the semi-arid zone which, for many of African countries, means secured existence of their economy.