Introduction
The Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was established in 1998 through the merger of the Xinjiang Institute of Geography (founded in 1961) and the Xinjiang Institute of Biology, Pedology and Desert Research of CAS (founded in 1965). XIEG dedicates itself to research on resources, ecology and the environment in arid areas. With a focus on sustainable development, XIEG aims to play a leading role in the fields of oasis ecology and desert environment, mineral and biological resources in Xinjiang, Central Asia and the world.