Xinjiang's Ecological Achievements and Future Conservation Plans

A meeting was held in Hotan prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, to further consolidate the region's ecological achievements. Over the past decade, Xinjiang has made significant progress in environmental conservation.

With support from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Xinjiang has expanded its oases by 56,000 square kilometers. The region has also reduced desertified land by nearly 2,000 square kilometers and decreased the frequency of sandstorms by 14 percent. This success is attributed to a transformation in development models.

The region has utilized desertification control efforts to improve local incomes. In Makit county, Kashgar, the construction of 122 kilometers of sand prevention belts has significantly reduced the number of sandstorm days. The county has also cultivated 300,000 mu of jujube, generating substantial output and revenue.

In Hotan's Yutian county, the introduction of biotech companies has enabled 5,400 households to cultivate 80,000 mu of roses and develop derivative products. This initiative has resulted in a significant increase in the per capita annual income of farmers.

Xinjiang has also prioritized clean energy in its fight against desertification. In Pishan county, Hotan, a combination of straw checkerboard barriers and photovoltaic panels is being implemented. This approach reduces water vaporization and wind speeds, creating a favorable environment for drought-resistant plants. The project is expected to generate a substantial amount of electricity annually upon completion.

Looking ahead, Xinjiang plans to expand its green belt and restore additional land. The region will provide significant funding and promote a pilot project focused on forest and grassland carbon sequestration, utilizing a "distributed photovoltaic power + brackish water irrigation" method.