In Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, a significant new regulation has been implemented to preserve the fragile environment of the Gobi Desert. Specifically, the city of Hami introduced this landmark law over the weekend, marking the region's first step toward legally safeguarding this important desert ecosystem against dangers such as increasing desertification.
Under this new legal framework, local governments at city and county levels in Hami are obligated to formulate detailed ecological preservation plans. These plans must clearly outline objectives aimed at conservation and restoration. Additionally, all forms of economic activity, including construction, tourism, and commercial projects, will now be required to comply strictly with these conservation guidelines, as stated by Li Qiang, deputy head of the standing committee of Hami's people's congress.
Experts emphasize the environmental significance of the Gobi Desert's gravel layer, which acts as an essential buffer against desertification. They warn that human activity or disturbances that disrupt this layer could activate previously dormant dust sources, resulting in more frequent and severe sandstorms throughout the region.
According to figures provided by Hami's bureau of ecology and environment, the Gobi Desert spans approximately 94,600 square kilometers, representing about two-thirds of the city's area. Recognizing this ecological significance, an environmental project focusing on evaluating and rehabilitating the Gobi Desert was initiated in Hami in August 2023. This project benefited from consultations and collaborations with researchers from Nanjing city in East China, ultimately laying the groundwork for the development of the recent regulation.
Xinjiang has a long history of prioritizing environmental protection. In related efforts, the region also recently completed a massive green belt around China's largest desert, the Taklimakan. This significant greenbelt, measuring 3,046 kilometers, seeks to contain sand drifts and further demonstrates local authorities' dedication to combating desertification throughout the autonomous region.
5 Comments
Raphael
This is a win-win situation for the environment and the local economy.
Leonardo
This is all about political grandstanding. They don't really care about the environment.
Donatello
This is a positive example of how the government can work with local communities to protect the environment.
Michelangelo
This is a sign that the government is taking environmental issues seriously.
Leonardo
This is a good example of how we can use technology to protect the environment.