China, despite not being the first country that comes to mind when thinking of deserts, actually boasts a wider variety of deserts than any other place on Earth. Nearly 18 percent of the country's landmass, encompassing a staggering 1.69 million square kilometers, is classified as "desertified." This vast expanse includes 12 major deserts, such as the Taklimakan Desert and the Gobi Desert, which is a stony desert composed of pebbles and rocks.
These deserts, covering significant portions of northwest, north, and northeast China, have posed a threat for centuries. However, generations of dedicated Chinese people have made it their mission to combat this threat. They have implemented innovative solutions, including planting trees and shrubs, to create a "Green Great Wall" that stretches across 13 provinces and autonomous regions in northern China. This ambitious project protects over 150 million hectares of farmland.
In the 1950s, China was considered one of the most desertified countries globally. Places like Zhangwu county in Liaoning province, in the northeast, were almost entirely covered in sand. In 1978, the central government launched the Three-North Shelterbelt Program, a significant initiative spanning 13 provinces and autonomous regions in northern China. This program aimed to combat desertification and has achieved remarkable results over the past 45 years.
More than 45 percent of the desertified land has been brought under control, 61 percent of the soil erosion area has been managed, and the forest coverage rate has increased from just over 5 percent to 13.84 percent. In 2021, President Xi Jinping emphasized the sixth phase of the Three-North program, spanning from 2021 to 2030, as crucial for consolidating and expanding achievements in fighting desertification.
Desertification control measures are now increasingly backed by scientific research and advanced technology. Lu Qi, head of the Three-North program research institute, highlights the importance of data-driven planning for each project, tailored to the specific conditions and resources of different areas. He emphasizes the shared understanding that desertification control aims to ensure people's lives and development are not threatened by deserts, while also recognizing the essential role deserts play in the ecological system.
10 Comments
Loubianka
Desertification is a serious issue, but this article gives us reason to be optimistic. With concerted effort, we can make a real difference.
Muchacha
The Three-North Shelterbelt Program has been going on for decades, but how much of it is actually effective? Is it truly slowing down desertification?
KittyKat
It's important to remember that deserts are not simply 'problems' to be solved. They are vital natural ecosystems and deserve our respect and understanding.
Mariposa
18% of China is desertified?! That's scary! What about the wildlife and indigenous populations living there?
AlanDV
China's experience in desertification control can be a valuable resource for other countries facing similar challenges.
Mariposa
They say they're balancing desertification control with the natural role of deserts. How can that be done while planting trees and essentially removing desert areas?
BuggaBoom
They say they're balancing desertification control with the natural role of deserts. How can that be done while planting trees and essentially removing desert areas?
Loubianka
China's focus on desertification control is great, but I'm worried about the long-term impacts on water resources. Will these trees use too much water in already dry areas?
Vsevolod
This is a reminder that even vast deserts can be restored through dedicated efforts and a commitment to environmental protection.
Loubianka
This 'Green Great Wall' sounds like another example of China's 'Greenwashing.' They want to look good but are probably sacrificing natural habitats in the process.