摘要
As we bid farewell to the memorable 2011, we usher in a year that is expected to witness more scientific and technological challenges, as well as significant social and environmental issues. In this time of hope and possibilities, I represent the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the editorial office of the Journal of Arid Land in extending sincere thanks and best wishes to all those who have supported us （our readers, contributors, editorial members, peer reviewers, and colleagues at Science Press） with constant innovative ideas and surpris;ing solutions.
As we bid farewell to the memorable 2011, we usher in a year that is expected to witness more scientific and technological challenges, as well as significant social and environmental issues. In this time of hope and possibilities, I represent the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the editorial office of the Journal of Arid Land in extending sincere thanks and best wishes to all those who have supported us （our readers, contributors, editorial members, peer reviewers, and colleagues at Science Press） with constant innovative ideas and surpris;ing solutions.
