Solving one problem by creating a bigger one: The consequences of ecological resettlement for grassland restoration and poverty alleviation in Northwestern China

- Comparative analysis of resettlement and pre-resettlement sites in Alxa Left Banner of western Inner Mongolia.
- Water use and income are the main indicators used to compare the impacts of livelihood change.
- Water consumption increased and water use efficiency declined after resettlement.
- Income increased but so did costs, and herder cultural traditions were weakened or lost.
- Livelihood was not improved, and risks caused by water scarcity increased.