Greening Sahara Research Exclusion Zone

A country-sized section of the Sahara desert that has been artificially restored to it's 'natural' Green state that existed 40,000 years ago. Cordoned off by a conglomeration of Space Corps for research and perfection of Terraformation technologies to be used on other, barren worlds. Surrounded by hundreds of miles of patrolled (especially rendered) inhospitable land, create a quarantine effect from contamination by humans or external flora fauna. Obviously, if word got out, there would be a horde invading this new 'Eden'.
Small, controlled habitation areas for researchers, Rangers and for training colonists embarking on offworld expeditions

Geography

Rocky sections host light vegetation. Sand dunes have been blackened with the addition of volcanic sand. Earthy, lowlying areas flooded with imported water to create artificial lakes and rivers that can support lush forests/savannahs

Fauna & Flora

Vast darkened patches of hearty lichen lowers the desert's albedo and helps to retain moisture and heat. Groundwater pumps and sea water pipelines bring in enough water to support life. Ecosystems ranging from fairly lush jungles (though feels off, artificial) to prairies and Savannahs. Life forms are Earthlike, usually African (Serengeti) though feels a little weird since genetically reconstructed from recently extinct species (that would make sense for the ecosystem), like an elephant with horns, a giraffe with camo stripes.etc.

Natural Resources

No exploitation allowed, beyond agreed necessity/zones for colonists/researchers.

Alternative Name(s)

The Greening, The Green Sahara, Oasis

Type

Oasis

Owning Organization

Space Corps Consortium

Contested By

• Wild Gardener Protocol