习言道丨这条“绿围脖”，习近平牵挂在心

Core Points - The completion of the green protective belt project around the Taklamakan Desert marks a significant achievement in combating desertification in Xinjiang, covering a total length of 3,046 kilometers and addressing a previously existing gap of 285 kilometers [3] - The Taklamakan Desert, the largest desert in China, poses severe environmental challenges due to its extreme aridity, high evaporation rates, and significant sand movement, making ecological restoration efforts critical [3][4] - The ecological improvements in Xinjiang are expected to yield tangible economic benefits for local communities, with the sand industry alone generating an annual output value exceeding 4.37 billion yuan [6] Summary by Sections Environmental Challenges - Xinjiang is the province with the largest area of desertification and sandification in China, with the Taklamakan Desert being the most severely affected area [3] - The desert experiences extreme weather conditions, with average annual rainfall below 100 millimeters and evaporation rates between 2,500 to 3,400 millimeters [3] Government Initiatives - Since the 18th National Congress, the government has prioritized ecological protection in Xinjiang, with multiple directives from the President emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation [4][5] - The government has called for a comprehensive approach to ecological restoration, integrating various environmental elements such as mountains, waters, forests, fields, lakes, and sand [5] Economic Impact - The sand industry in Xinjiang has seen significant growth, with an annual production value surpassing 4.37 billion yuan, demonstrating the potential for economic development through ecological initiatives [6] - The transformation of barren land into productive orchards, such as apple and jujube cultivation, illustrates the successful implementation of green projects in the region [6]