Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts and progress in combating desertification in the Qinghai province, particularly in the Sanjiangyuan region, which is crucial for ecological security and sustainable development in China [1][2]. Group 1: Desertification and Ecological Impact - Desertification significantly affects global ecological security, poverty alleviation, social stability, and sustainable development [1]. - In the 1990s, the area of desertified land in Guinan County reached 3.42 million mu, with desert areas accounting for 1.42 million mu, or 14.2% of the total area [1]. - The desert expanded at a rate of 5 to 15 meters per year, leading to severe environmental challenges [1]. Group 2: Restoration Efforts and Achievements - Guinan County has improved its forest coverage from 2.6% before 1996 to 19.24% currently, with 1.95 million mu of desertified land effectively treated [2]. - The "Three-North" project has faced challenges due to the complex nature of desertification in Qinghai, where 1.85 million mu of land is desertified, accounting for 17.2% of the total land area [2]. - The local government has implemented a funding strategy to alleviate financial pressure on grassroots levels, with 170 million yuan allocated for 2024 and 240 million yuan for 2025 [2]. Group 3: Innovative Approaches and Technology - The Sand Zhu Yu Township has reduced its desertified land from 90% to 12.3% through a combination of engineering, biological, and technological methods [3]. - The establishment of the world's largest centralized photovoltaic power generation park in the region has created an ecological model that reduces wind speed by 50% and soil moisture evaporation by 30% [3]. - The integration of photovoltaic technology with ecological restoration has transformed previously barren land into productive areas for livestock farming [3]. Group 4: Vision for Future Development - The Qinghai Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau emphasizes the ongoing commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable development, aiming to extend the "green wall" across the plateau [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful efforts in combating desertification in Liaoning Province, particularly through the introduction and cultivation of the Chinese fir (樟子松) in the region, showcasing a significant transformation from sand encroachment to afforestation and environmental restoration [1][6][9]. Group 1: Historical Context and Development - In the 1950s, the establishment of the Liaoning Provincial Forestry Research Station marked the beginning of organized efforts to combat desertification in the region [1][6]. - The introduction of Chinese fir by Liu Bin in the 1980s was pivotal, as it demonstrated the potential for afforestation in arid and sandy areas, despite initial challenges [3][6]. - By 1978, the afforestation technology using Chinese fir received national recognition, leading to its widespread adoption in the "Three North" regions of China, with over 10 million acres now covered [3][6]. Group 2: Contributions of Individuals - The dedication of individuals like Li Dongkui, who has spent over 30 years protecting and nurturing the Chinese fir forests, exemplifies the grassroots efforts that have contributed to the success of these initiatives [3][5][6]. - Li's commitment in harsh conditions underscores the human element in environmental restoration efforts [3][6]. Group 3: Current Achievements and Future Prospects - The area of sand-affected land in Zhangwu County has significantly decreased from 96% in the 1950s to 36.56% today, with a dramatic reduction in sandstorm days from 43 to an average of 5 per year [6]. - The merger of research institutions in 2018 has enhanced the capacity for sand management and afforestation, with over 20 billion seedlings produced annually [6][8]. - The adaptability of Chinese fir and other species is being leveraged for international efforts, with seedlings being exported to Mongolia for desertification control [8][9].

Group 1 - The article highlights the significant contributions of Huang Jianping, an academician and atmospheric scientist, in researching sandstorms and climate change, emphasizing his dedication to national scientific needs [2][3][5] - Huang's team has developed various innovative monitoring systems and theories related to climate change and sandstorm formation over the past two decades [6][8] - The article discusses the recent extreme sandstorm events in China, attributing them to climate change and the limitations of local afforestation efforts in combating high-altitude dust transport [10][13] Group 2 - Huang Jianping explains that while China's afforestation efforts have reduced local sandstorms by 40%, they cannot fully prevent dust from high altitudes, which often originates from Mongolia [13][15] - The article notes that global warming is causing more frequent extreme weather events, impacting atmospheric circulation and leading to various climate anomalies [15][16] - The ecological restoration of the Loess Plateau is attributed to national reforestation projects and favorable atmospheric conditions, although future climate trends remain uncertain [18][19] Group 3 - Huang expresses pride in China's leadership in combating desertification, highlighting successful projects like the "locking" of the Taklamakan Desert [21][23] - The article clarifies that while desertification control has been effective, deserts will not transform into grasslands, maintaining their ecological characteristics over millennia [23][25] - The commitment of Huang's team and the younger generation to continue working in harsh environments reflects a deep-rooted passion for environmental stewardship [25][27]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is the willingness of Gansu's provincial leadership to deepen cooperation with EU countries in various fields [1] - Gansu aims to expand practical cooperation in cultural relic protection, renewable energy development, water resource management, and desertification control [1] - The meeting signifies a step towards enhancing friendly cooperation between Gansu and EU nations [1]

Core Viewpoint - The transformation of the Ili River Valley in the western Tianshan Mountains from a barren wasteland to a vibrant agricultural and tourism hub highlights the success of desertification control efforts and the potential for sustainable development in the region [14][20]. Group 1: Environmental Transformation - The area, previously a barren wasteland covering approximately 60,000 acres, has been transformed into fertile land with a vegetation coverage rate increasing from nearly zero to 72% over the past few years [14]. - Rainfall in the region has increased by 4 to 8 millimeters, contributing to the ecological improvement [14]. - Satellite images from 2016 show a stark contrast to the current lush landscape, with fields of lavender now dominating the scenery [10][12]. Group 2: Agricultural Development - In addition to the poppy fields, the area now includes thousands of acres of wheat, corn, rapeseed, lavender, and over 2 million fruit trees, including apricot trees, showcasing a diverse agricultural base [8][14]. - The region has developed a modern industrial park that integrates agriculture, industry, and cultural tourism, creating a comprehensive economic model [14]. Group 3: Tourism Growth - The area has become a popular tourist destination, attracting over 400,000 visitors last year, with expectations of daily visitor numbers exceeding 10,000 during the upcoming May Day holiday [18]. - Various accommodations and recreational activities, such as hiking and surfing, have emerged, enhancing the tourism experience [16][20].