Large-scale water use in Dunhuang Basin causing rapid desertification and eco-damage.
Water is essential for Dunhuang's economy and environment. The way water is used for irrigation has disrupted the natural water cycle, leading to problems like rivers drying up and land turning into desert. To ensure sustainable development and support tourism, it's important to use water more efficiently, adjust how industries use water, stop overusing groundwater, and make sure ecosystems and tourism have enough water.