Core Insights - Ethiopia is actively pursuing ecological restoration and green development, significantly aided by Chinese concepts and initiatives [1][2][3] - The "Green Legacy Initiative" launched by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy has led to record-breaking tree planting efforts, with 714 million trees planted in a single day on July 31 [1] - Ethiopia's tree planting efforts have increased from 4.7 billion in 2019 to 6.8 billion in 2021, reaching 7.5 billion by 2024 [1] Group 1: Ecological Initiatives - The Ethiopian government and citizens are focused on ecological restoration, with a national tree planting event achieving a new record [1] - The "Green Legacy Initiative" has resulted in a significant reduction in soil erosion and improved food security through the planting of fruit trees [1] - China's experience in land restoration is being leveraged by Ethiopia, with a focus on knowledge and technology exchange [2][3] Group 2: International Cooperation - Ethiopia's ecological governance aligns with China's "Lucid Waters and Mountainous Lands are Invaluable Assets" philosophy, fostering close cooperation [2] - Chinese technology and expertise in combating desertification are being shared with Ethiopia, enhancing local capabilities [2][3] - The African "Great Green Wall" initiative draws inspiration from China's successful afforestation projects, showcasing the impact of Chinese methodologies [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts and challenges faced by local herders in Inner Mongolia's Alxa Right Banner in combating desertification through tree planting, particularly focusing on the role of the "Three-North" shelter forest program initiated by the government [2][3]. Group 1: Environmental Initiatives - The Alxa Right Banner is a critical area for the "Three-North" shelter forest program, aimed at combating desertification and enhancing ecological security in China [2][3]. - Since the 1970s, local communities have engaged in afforestation, grass planting, and sand fixation to expand desert control efforts [2][3]. - The government has emphasized the importance of these initiatives for national ecological safety and sustainable development [2][3]. Group 2: Community Involvement - Local herders, such as Ma Fenmei, have dedicated years to planting trees in harsh desert conditions, demonstrating resilience and commitment to environmental restoration [3][4]. - The local government has mobilized farmers and herders to participate actively in tree planting, creating a collective effort to combat desertification [4][5]. - The "work-for-relief" model has been implemented to incentivize local communities, allowing them to contract tree planting projects, thereby increasing their income [4][5]. Group 3: Government Support and Oversight - The Alxa Right Banner's disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies have prioritized the "Three-North" project, focusing on quality, progress, and integrity in project execution [3][4]. - Regular monitoring and supervision of funding for public welfare forests and "work-for-relief" wages have been established to ensure timely and accurate disbursement of funds [5][6]. - As of now, the government has ensured the payment of 4.834 million yuan in overdue project funds, safeguarding the rights of local farmers [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and legacy of Fu Zhizhou, who dedicated 41 years to planting 800,000 trees in the desert of Xinjiang, creating a green barrier against sandstorms and improving the local environment and economy [40]. Group 1: Fu Zhizhou's Life and Contributions - Fu Zhizhou, originally from Kaifeng, Henan, moved to Halmudun Village in Xinjiang in 1965, where he began his lifelong battle against desertification [5][12]. - He planted trees as a means to combat the encroaching sand and protect agricultural land, believing that "living people cannot be bullied by sand" [7][8]. - Over the years, he developed innovative methods for tree planting, including using glass bottles to irrigate saplings in arid conditions [22][23]. Group 2: Impact on the Community - Fu's efforts contributed to a significant increase in vegetation coverage in the region, from 3% to approximately 70% over 40 years, and expanded arable land from 7,000 acres to 13,000 acres [35]. - The local economy improved as the land became more fertile, with land rental fees increasing to 1,530 yuan per acre, benefiting the villagers [35]. - His work inspired over 300 villagers to participate in tree planting, transforming the community's perception of environmental conservation [34]. Group 3: Recognition and Legacy - Fu Zhizhou received national recognition for his contributions, including an award at the Great Hall of the People for his role in the "Three-North" shelter forest program [36]. - His family continues his legacy, with his children actively involved in maintaining the green spaces he created and pursuing agricultural innovations [36][38]. - The establishment of the "Fu Zhizhou Moral Model Museum" serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the environment and the community [36].

Core Viewpoint - The "Three North" project in Inner Mongolia represents a significant ecological transformation, turning desert areas into green zones and enhancing local livelihoods through innovative environmental management practices [1][13]. Group 1: Ecological Transformation - Inner Mongolia, covering 12% of China's land, plays a crucial role in combating desertification and ensuring ecological security for regions like Beijing and Tianjin [1]. - The "Three North" project has successfully transformed areas from "sand encroachment" to "green advancement," showcasing a commitment to ecological restoration [1][2]. - The implementation of a "sand control + photovoltaic" model has led to a 30% reduction in desertification severity over 2.2 million acres [2]. Group 2: Economic Benefits - The integration of ecological restoration with economic development has resulted in increased incomes for local herders, with average annual income rising by 15,000 yuan per person [3]. - The establishment of ecological economic forests has generated significant agricultural outputs, such as 100,000 pounds of jujube fruit annually from newly planted areas [2]. - The promotion of sustainable practices, such as the cultivation of medicinal herbs and eco-tourism, has led to a 40% increase in income for local households [3]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - The shift from manual labor to mechanized operations in desert management has improved efficiency, with new machines achieving up to 20 times the productivity of traditional methods [7][9]. - The use of smart irrigation systems and real-time monitoring has transformed water management in agricultural practices, enhancing crop yields and reducing water wastage [5][6]. - The development of a "sky-ground integrated" monitoring system allows for precise tracking of ecological restoration efforts, ensuring effective management of resources [9]. Group 4: Sustainable Practices in Pastoralism - The transition from overgrazing to balanced grazing practices has improved grassland health, with vegetation coverage increasing by 7% over five years [12]. - The adoption of modern ranching techniques, such as rotational grazing and reduced livestock numbers, has led to significant cost savings and improved pasture quality [10][11]. - The establishment of modern pastoral zones has enabled 30% of herders to increase their income through sustainable livestock management [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the remarkable efforts of Fu Zhizhou, who dedicated 41 years to planting trees in the Taklamakan Desert region, transforming a barren landscape into a green barrier, significantly improving the local ecology and community livelihood [1][7]. Group 1: Background and Initial Challenges - Fu Zhizhou moved to Xinjiang in 1965, facing severe sandstorms and barren land, which made agriculture nearly impossible [1][4]. - In 1983, a devastating sandstorm destroyed his crops, prompting him to commit to combating desertification [1][2]. Group 2: Community Involvement and Growth - Fu Zhizhou began tree planting with his family, initially using simple tools and gradually involving more villagers as he demonstrated success [6][7]. - By leveraging national policies and community support, over 300 households joined the tree-planting efforts, leading to significant ecological improvements [7][8]. Group 3: Achievements and Impact - Under Fu Zhizhou's leadership, the vegetation coverage in the region increased from 3% to 70%, and the family aimed to plant a total of 1 million trees [7][8]. - The local community's income has significantly increased due to the improved environment, with tree planting viewed as a form of investment in a "green bank" [8]. Group 4: Legacy and Future Plans - Fu Zhizhou's legacy continues through his family, particularly his son, who is committed to completing the goal of planting 20,000 more trees [8]. - The article emphasizes the enduring spirit of resilience and dedication to ecological restoration that Fu Zhizhou instilled in his family and community [8].