Core Insights - The project "Theoretical Construction and Vegetation Configuration Technology of the 'Three-North' Project in the Loess Hilly Gully Region" has won the second prize of the Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Progress Award, providing new solutions for ecological challenges such as soil desiccation and vegetation survival difficulties in the region [1] Group 1 - The Loess Hilly Gully Region is a significant area for combating soil erosion, known for its severe soil and water conflicts and high sediment flow into the Yellow River, making it a challenging area for ecological restoration [1][2] - The research team has developed a systematic approach to vegetation construction based on water availability, addressing the critical question of what species to plant [2] - Selected tree species such as Mongolian willow, Leymus chinensis, and Haloxylon ammodendron have been identified for their ecological and economic value, enhancing the options for ecological restoration [2] Group 2 - New materials for soil improvement and rainwater resource utilization have been developed, including biological agents and microbial fertilizers, which are essential for the survival of selected plant species in difficult soil conditions [4] - The team has established a technical system for the restoration of degraded shrub protective forests and the improvement of low-quality protective forests, addressing the question of how to plant effectively [4] Group 3 - The integrated management model of forestry, fruit, and grass in the Loess Hilly Gully Region has been successfully promoted over 1.0276 million acres in Ordos and Hohhot, providing significant technological support for the "Three-North" project [6]

Core Viewpoint - Inner Mongolia Alxa League has launched its autumn afforestation work, aiming to complete the task of planting 560,000 acres by the end of December 2025, highlighting the region's commitment to combating desertification and improving ecological conditions [1] Group 1: Afforestation Efforts - The afforestation initiative is part of a broader strategy that has seen over 10 million acres treated since the implementation of the "Three-North" project in 1978 [1] - The region's ecological efforts focus on using drought-resistant native species such as Haloxylon ammodendron, Caragana korshinskii, and Ziziphus jujuba, promoting a near-natural afforestation model [1] Group 2: Ecological Conditions - Alxa League is located in the westernmost part of Inner Mongolia, covering an area of 270,000 square kilometers, with an average annual precipitation of less than 200 millimeters and evaporation exceeding 3,000 millimeters [1] - The area is home to three major deserts: Badain Jaran, Tengger, and Ulan Buh, which together cover 94,700 square kilometers, accounting for 35.07% of Alxa League's land area and 83.04% of Inner Mongolia's total desert area [1] Group 3: Results of Efforts - The region has seen a dual increase in grassland vegetation coverage and forest coverage, alongside a dual decrease in desertified and sandy land areas, indicating the effectiveness of the ongoing ecological restoration efforts [1]