Core Viewpoint - The transformation of the Ulan Buh Desert from a "red bull" of sandstorms to a "green Great Wall" showcases successful desertification control and ecological restoration efforts in Inner Mongolia, China [1][2]. Group 1: Desertification Control Efforts - The Baotou City has been combating desertification since the 1950s, implementing a comprehensive approach that includes natural reserves, sand fixation, and protective forest networks [2]. - As of 2024, Baotou has completed desert management over 35.32 million mu, with a core area of 150 kilometers of protective belts covering 24.9 million mu, ultimately forming a 200-kilometer green barrier [2]. Group 2: Economic Development through Ecological Projects - The "photovoltaic + ecological governance" model has been established, with 14.34 million mu of land utilized for this purpose, achieving a solar power installation capacity of 542.7 million kilowatts and an annual electricity generation exceeding 30 billion kWh [4][7]. - The local economy has benefited significantly, with over 4,000 farmers and herders gaining employment and an average annual income increase of 15,000 yuan [4]. Group 3: Agricultural and Medicinal Development - The cultivation of desert plants such as Cistanche and licorice has become economically viable, with the annual gross income from 50 mu of Cistanche reaching over 100,000 yuan [7]. - The area dedicated to Cistanche cultivation has reached nearly 140,000 mu, generating an annual output value exceeding 300 million yuan [7]. Group 4: Tourism Growth - The local tourism industry has flourished, with a 70% increase in visitor numbers compared to 2020 and a revenue growth of 61 million yuan [8]. - The development of five premium tourism routes has attracted visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region [8].

Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of desert management in Inner Mongolia, highlighting the construction of the Bayin-Pugebu sand-crossing road as a new approach to ecological restoration and livelihood improvement [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The newly built Bayin-Pugebu sand-crossing road spans 16.81 kilometers, effectively dividing the continuous sand dunes and establishing a governance model characterized by "road delineation, road-based sand control, road advancement, and road-driven economic growth" [1]. - The road serves as a "green artery" for local ecological restoration and improvement of living conditions [1]. Group 2: Ecological and Economic Impact - The road not only enhances transportation but also facilitates ecological projects, such as solar energy initiatives, by providing easier access for equipment transportation [2]. - The local government plans to implement an additional 55 kilometers of "road-based sand control" projects by 2025, building on the 544 kilometers of existing sand-crossing roads that have already contributed to the ecological management of nearly 490,000 acres [5]. Group 3: Historical Context and Future Plans - The model of "road-based sand control" has evolved from decades of experience in desert management, starting with the first sand-crossing road built in 1997 [5]. - By 2030, Inner Mongolia aims to construct or upgrade over 6,300 kilometers of sand-crossing roads, which is expected to facilitate the management of 12 million acres of sandy land [5]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - The success of the "road-based sand control" approach is supported by years of technological development in desertification management, including a comprehensive sand prevention system established during the construction of the Baolan Railway [7][8]. - The ongoing innovation in technology aims to provide replicable and scalable solutions for desertification management both nationally and globally [8].

Group 1 - The seventh China-Arab States Expo opened in Yinchuan, focusing on practical economic cooperation between China and Arab countries, with participation from all 22 Arab countries and 31 Chinese provinces [3] - Mauritania's Ambassador to China, Abdellahi Vellali, praised the Expo's innovation and participation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening trade cooperation between Mauritania and China [3][4] - China announced a 100% zero-tariff policy on products from 53 African countries, which Vellali highlighted as a significant step to enhance trade and economic development for African nations, including Mauritania [3][4] Group 2 - The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and China, with significant cooperation achieved across various fields [4] - Mauritania actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative, with multiple cooperation agreements expected to be signed during the Mauritanian President's visit to China in 2024, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and modern agriculture [4] - In 2024, trade between China and Arab countries reached $407.4 billion, a 2.3% increase year-on-year, with China maintaining its position as the largest trading partner of Arab countries [4] Group 3 - Mauritania, with over 80% of its territory covered by desert, has urgent needs in desertification control and development, seeking to learn from China's innovations and achievements in this area [5] - The collaboration between Mauritania and regions like Ningxia and Xinjiang in desertification control is aimed at adopting Chinese wisdom and experience [5] - China's practices in environmental quality improvement and green development provide a replicable model for combating desertification and promoting sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa [5]

Group 1 - Inner Mongolia is a key area for combating desertification and sandstorm prevention in China, with 60% of the "Three North" project tasks located there [1] - The Agricultural Development Bank of China (ADBC) Inner Mongolia branch has invested a total of 3.7 billion yuan to support the "Three North" project, treating 2.59 million acres of desert land [1] - The bank has integrated renewable energy development with desertification control, approving loans of 2.415 billion yuan in 2023 for projects in the Kubuqi Desert [1] Group 2 - The ADBC Inner Mongolia branch has invested 337 million yuan since 2024 to support innovative projects in the Hunsandake Sandy Land, revitalizing 123,000 acres of desert [2] - The project has led to the growth of 71,600 acres of large-scale forage and 51,400 acres of seabuckthorn and other shrubs, transforming the area into an ecological pasture [2] - Over the past three years, the bank has provided 906 million yuan to combat desertification in the Horqin and Hunsandake regions, focusing on ecological improvement and income generation [2] Group 3 - The ADBC Inner Mongolia branch has allocated 59 million yuan to support key sand control projects at the southwestern edge of the Badain Jaran Desert [3] - Measures taken include engineering sand fixation, grass planting, and water resource support, successfully locking down 1.16 million acres of shifting sand [3] - The bank has implemented differentiated financing support policies for the "Three North" project, providing 291 million yuan in loans to enhance ecological security in northern China [3]

Group 1 - The core theme of the article is the global concern regarding sandstorms, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat sandstorm disasters and protect the environment [1][2] - Sandstorms are caused by climate change, drought, and land degradation, affecting approximately 330 million people worldwide and releasing about 2 billion tons of dust into the atmosphere annually [1] - The economic impact of sandstorms includes billions of dollars in losses due to damage to infrastructure, increased healthcare costs, and disruption of social activities [1] Group 2 - China's "Three-North" project has received international recognition, including the "Global 500" award from the United Nations Environment Programme, highlighting its significant achievements in combating desertification [2] - Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, China has rehabilitated 36.5 million acres of desertified land and established a protected area of 2.794 million acres, showing a positive trend in ecological improvement [2] - The long-term commitment to combating desertification is emphasized, with a focus on transforming barren lands into green areas, which requires collective efforts from all sectors of society [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Kubuqi model developed in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, provides a "Chinese solution" for global desertification control through a combination of government policy, enterprise investment, market participation, continuous technological innovation, and open sharing of results [1][2]. Group 1: Desertification Control Achievements - The Kubuqi Desert, covering an area of 2.116 million acres, has seen significant ecological improvement, with over 9 million acres treated, transforming from a state where 61% of the area was shifting sand dunes and vegetation coverage was below 3% to a more sustainable environment [1]. - Since the launch of the "Three North" project, 40% of the desert area has been converted into oasis through various measures including the construction of a 420 km shelterbelt and a 240 km sand path barrier [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implementation - The implementation of the "Three North" project includes a systematic approach to desertification control, with specific strategies for different areas of the Kubuqi Desert, such as creating a locking forest belt in the north and a sand protection area in the west [2]. - The integration of renewable energy projects, particularly solar power, has been a key component, with approximately 3 million acres of desert being utilized for photovoltaic projects, contributing to both ecological restoration and economic development [2]. Group 3: Knowledge Transfer and Global Impact - The desertification control techniques developed in Kubuqi have been successfully replicated in regions such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, and Gansu, and are being promoted in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, including Saudi Arabia and Mongolia [3].

Core Viewpoint - The articles highlight the significant progress made in desertification control and ecological restoration in Alxa League, particularly in the Tengger Desert area, through various innovative methods and projects aimed at combining ecological protection with energy development [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Desertification Control Efforts - Alxa League has completed desertification control over an area exceeding 12 million acres, with over 3.3 million acres of drought-resistant plants like Haloxylon and Caragana being planted [1]. - The "Three-North" project has been crucial in combating desertification, with local authorities implementing a combination of natural and artificial methods to create a protective green belt spanning 460 kilometers [2]. - In 2024, Alxa League aims to complete 4.7 million acres of desertification control tasks, focusing on collaborative prevention and treatment in border areas [2]. Group 2: Integration of Renewable Energy - The integration of clean energy projects with desertification control is being actively pursued, with a focus on photovoltaic technology to halt the advance of deserts while promoting energy development [3][4]. - The Inner Mongolia Huadian Tengger Clean Energy Base has installed 3.71 million photovoltaic panels, generating an annual average of 1.715 billion kWh, sufficient to meet the electricity needs of approximately 603,700 households [4]. - By 2024, Alxa League has achieved comprehensive management of over 96 million acres of desertified land, increasing forest coverage from 2.96% to 8.42% and grassland vegetation coverage from under 15% to 23.18% [4].

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]