Impact of Desertification on the Biodiversity of Arid and Semiarid zone in Georgia

Abstract

Georgia's arid and semiarid regions are especially sensitive to desertification. The process of desertification caused by climate change is the greatest ecological and socio-economic problem of our time. It is already recognized - along with habitat degradation, resource overexploitation, environmental pollution, and invasive species - as the fifth driver of biodiversity loss [1]. According to the forecast, an increase in temperature and a decrease in rainfall are expected in some regions of Georgia. As a result, significant changes will occur in the distribution of these ecosystems, plant communities, and species of flora and fauna [9].

Different regions of Georgia respond differently to climate changes. The landscapes of Eastern Georgia are particularly sensitive to modern climate change. An area of almost 3,000 km² in the south-east of Georgia, which is located in the semi-desert zone, is continuously damaged by droughts and wind erosion and suffers from degradation/desertification as well as soil salinization. The process of desertification in the territory of Alazni Valley stems from both natural and anthropogenic factors.

The landscapes of eastern Georgia are more sensitive to modern climate change than the humid subtropics of western Georgia. The fight against desertification is important for maintaining the existing biological and landscape diversity.

The region of Kakheti (Dedoplistskaro, Sighnaghi, Sagarejo) represents regions facing the threat of desertification. This process is especially reflected in the territory of Dedoplistskaro municipality located in the Alazni valley. Therefore, we consider it urgent to pay great attention to the problems caused by desertification in the mentioned area and their negative impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity. It is necessary to take complex monitoring and preventive measures.