A Decades-Long Battle Against Desertification in the North and West

China is undertaking a significant environmental project to combat the spread of deserts, specifically by establishing a protective green belt around the Taklimakan Desert. This ambitious undertaking is a crucial element in a broader strategy to address the issue of desertification.

This green development initiative is a vital component of the Three North Shelter Forest Program (TNSFP). The TNSFP is a comprehensive environmental program with the primary goal of controlling and ultimately reversing the process of desertification across a vast area of China. This area encompasses the northwest, north, and western northeast regions, areas particularly vulnerable to desert expansion.

The TNSFP represents a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. The program was initiated in 1978 and is designed to span a considerable period, with its completion date set for 2050, totaling 73 years of dedicated effort. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, China launched a decisive phase of the program starting in 2023. This phase focuses on intensive efforts across three key regions, with continuous implementation planned over the next decade to ensure sustained progress in the fight against desertification. This represents a significant investment in the future, aiming to create a more sustainable and habitable environment for generations to come.