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

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

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52340/idw.2023.08

Keywords:

desertification, biodiversity, arid and semi-arid ecosystems, climate change

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.

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References

Second National Action Program to Combat Desertification 2014 Tbilisi

Gegechkori, Arn. 2008. Biogeography

Badridze, I. (2000). The modern state of species diversity of the animal world of Georgia. Tbilisi.

Gegechkori, Arn. 2008. Biogeography

Gvarishvili, N. (2013) "Terrestrial Ecosystems" Batumi

Climate Change and Disaster Reduction Adaptation Plan of Dedoplistskaro Municipality (2013). Tbilisi.

The impact of climate change on DEdoplistkarop region (2008) Tbilisi

Kodiashvili A. (2007) The process of desertification in Dedoplistskaro and its mitigation measures. Department of Protected Areas Dedoplistkaro.

Biodiversity Strategy of Georgia and Action Plan (2014-2020)Shavliashvili L., Kordzakhia G., Elizbarashvili E., Kuchava G. (2012) Same aspects of land resources degradation on Georgia due to temporary climate change – Annals of agrarian science, v.10, #4.,.

Mchedluri,T., Vepkhvadze, A., Lali Shavliashvili, L. ,,The impact of global climate changes on biodiversity of Kakheti region’’ . International conference, Ganja.2017,4-5may

Mchedluri, T., Vepkhvadze, A., Shavliashvili, L. ,,Research on the Salinity Level of Alazani Valley Soils and Their Impact on Agrobiodiversity of the Region’’European Researcher - Sochi 2017, 2(1)

Shavliashvili L., Kordzakhia G., Elizbarashvili E., Kuchava G. (2012) Same aspects of land resources degradation on Georgia due to temporary climate change – Annals of agrarian science, v.10, #4.,.

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Published

2023-09-27

Issue

Section

Agricultural and Biological Sciences (all)

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