Abstract: Despite that the expansion of severe rocky desertification in the karst areas of southwest China has been initially curbed, the situation allows no optimism and the eco-environment needs to be further improved. Effective efforts are required to maintain the achievements of desertification control; the contradiction between human and land cannot be eradicated; and the difficulty of controlling desertification has been escalating. In view of this, we summarized the specific characteristics of the karst areas in southwest China, the causes of rocky desertification, as well as the comprehensive management mode. On this basis, we put forward suggestions on comprehensive regional control and green development in four aspects: highlighting holistic management and systematic restoration, exploring pathways of value realization of eco-products, strengthening eco-compensation, and seeking a coordinated social and ecological system. The suggestions are expected to provide scientific reference for the coordinated high-quality development of eco-environment and social economy in southwest China.

Key words: karst rocky desertification, comprehensive control, current situation, countermeasures, southwest China