Sustainable development of people and water resources: taking Karez systems in Xinjiang as an example

Abstract

Xinjiang is situated in the arid inland region of northwest China, belonging to the inland river basin. The replenishment of runoff sources mainly includes precipitation, ice and snow, and groundwater. Precipitation is primarily concentrated in the alpine glacier permafrost zone and the grassland forest belt, while the plain oasis belt and the downstream desert belt receive scant rainfall. The area is characterized by high evaporation and transpiration rates, leading to the local population facing issues of aridity and water scarcity. The Karez system, an ancient water conservancy facility created by the people of Xinjiang in ancient times based on local natural conditions and hydrogeological characteristics, is a very old type of horizontal water-collecting structure for the development and utilization of groundwater. It is suitable for the foothills and the edges of alluvial fans, mainly intercepting groundwater for irrigation and domestic water use, and is widely distributed in the Turpan area of Xinjiang, China. The emergence of the Karez system has formed a unique ecosystem, nurturing the oasis of the Tuha Basin and achieving a balance between humans and water. Regrettably, in recent years, there has been a sharp decline in both the number and water volume of Karez systems, unsettling the equilibrium of the human-water relationship. This paper will delve into the characteristics of water resources in Xinjiang, examine the influence of Karez systems on the water cycle and its utilization, trace the developmental trajectory of Karez systems, and identify the factors contributing to the disruption of the human-water equilibrium. It will offer strategies and future perspectives aimed at achieving sustainable development between human activities and water resources.