Prosopis juliflora, a native of South to Central America, was introduced in India (Rajasthan) to combat desertification of Thar during early 20th century. Presently, this species is a most vigorously spreading plant species in the arid zone covering neutral alkaline and saline soil and has invaded most part of the state.

Given the importance of a credible monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of NREGS for qualitative improvements, timely redressal of grievances and mid course corrections in implementation, a third party monitoring and evaluation team was set up in June 2009 by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Nanjido, an island in Republic of South Korea, at the end of the Han River was made a landfill site in 1978. Fifteen years later, the site had to be closed due to the extensive damage caused by the pollution of soil, air, surface and underground water. In 1996, the Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to continue till 2020.

By gaining critical control over seeds rural women have recovered traditional landraces and biodiversity in agriculture. Initiatives such as Alternative PDS and Food Sovereignty Trust by Deccan Development Society have not only ensured heightened access to food and nutrition but have also empowered women by strengthening their leadership abilities.

A cooperative of landless women in Gujarat are making a successful living through collective farming. By converting their village into an eco tourism centre, they are conserving and promoting local cultures and cuisine.

Senna (Cassia angustifolia) a native of Saudi Arabia is now cultivated extensively in Western Rajasthan. The main advantage of the crop is that it does not require the application of any fertilizers and it is not devoured by insects, animals or birds. Also the plant is eco-friendly as it can be used for developing wastelands and does not require frequent irrigation.

Contaminated lands, blighted by fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, could be cleaned up in a clever way: by growing biofuels. Belarus, the country affected by much of the fallout, is planning to use the crops to suck up the radioactive strontium and caesium and make the soil fit to grow food again within decades rather than hundreds of years.