Oasis ecological carrying capacity based on sustainable development:A case study of Minqin Oasis

The conception and model of ecological footprint were used in this paper to calculate the ecological carrying capacity of Minqin Oasis.Using the field investigation,data of the national economic statistical yearbook of Minqin County from 2004 to 2008 and other relevant information,the ecological footprint of Minqin Oasis in 2008 was calculated and analyzed.The results showed that the ecological demand was 2.6782232hm2 per capita in Minqin Oasis in 2008,and the ecology supporting capacity was 1.5568037hm2 per capita,and that the ecological deficit was 1.1762765hm2 per capita,which reflected that the human load has already surpassed the regional ecological carrying capacity,and the regional natural ecosystem was under great pressure of human exploitation.These are unsustainable.Based on the concept of sustainable development,it is necessary to adjust the industrial structure,to develop water-saving agriculture and ecological agriculture,increase the investment on capital and technology,change the way of production and living,develop virtual water strategy and others and to build up a system with the trait of energy-saving production and consumption.