Core Insights - The article highlights the efforts of Chifeng City in Inner Mongolia as a national comprehensive demonstration area for desertification prevention and control, aiming to complete the consolidation and enhancement of 6.42 million acres of desertification control and forest grass quality by 2025 [1] Group 1 - Chifeng City is implementing key projects such as the Beijing-Tianjin sand source governance and the "Three North" Phase VI project to combat desertification [1] - The city has developed a "Chifeng Plan" that promotes multi-party governance and the simultaneous prosperity of green development and economic growth [1] Group 2 - The city is actively promoting a "work-for-relief" model, allowing farmers and herders to participate in desertification control, with 14,400 farmers expected to be involved by 2025, receiving a total of 234 million yuan in labor fees [3] - Chifeng is also adopting the experience from Wengniute Banner, focusing on "road construction for sand control" to create a positive cycle of road maintenance and desertification prevention [3] - The local government aims to secure 1.024 billion yuan in funding for road-based sand control, planning to construct 1,039 kilometers of sand-crossing roads by 2025 [3] - A multi-party governance system has been established, fostering a social atmosphere where everyone is concerned about and participates in desertification control [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant achievements in desertification control in the Kubuqi Desert, showcasing China's successful practices in ecological restoration and sustainable development, contributing to both national and global environmental efforts [3][19][22]. Group 1: Desertification Control Achievements - The Kubuqi Desert has seen over 6,000 square kilometers transformed into green areas, with a notable reduction in sediment entering the Yellow River, marking a historic shift from "sand advancing and people retreating" to "green advancing and sand retreating" [3][12]. - The desert covers approximately 14,100 square kilometers, with a 420-kilometer protective forest and grass belt established to prevent desert encroachment towards the Yellow River [5][12]. - The ecological restoration efforts have led to a 40% governance rate of the Kubuqi Desert, with a significant reduction in soil erosion and sediment transport to the Yellow River, decreasing by approximately 300 million tons over the past decade [12][22]. Group 2: Innovative Approaches and Technologies - The integration of solar energy projects, referred to as the "photovoltaic wall," is being utilized alongside traditional desertification control methods, enhancing both ecological and economic benefits [5][13]. - Advanced machinery and technology, such as drones and robotic tree planters, have improved the efficiency of desertification control efforts by over five times, moving away from labor-intensive methods [25]. - The local governance model emphasizes a combination of road construction and ecological management, effectively segmenting the desert into manageable units for restoration [9][12]. Group 3: Economic and Social Impact - The ecological restoration initiatives have not only improved the environment but also stimulated local economies, providing employment opportunities for approximately 380,000 farmers and herders [13][19]. - The tourism sector has benefited from the ecological improvements, with over 2.2 million visitors to desert tourism sites in 2024, generating significant revenue [16][19]. - The local community's involvement in restoration projects has fostered a sense of ownership and economic empowerment, transforming the relationship between people and the desert [13][25]. Group 4: International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing - The Kubuqi International Desert Forum has become a platform for sharing China's desertification control experiences with other countries facing similar challenges, promoting international cooperation [22][23]. - The forum has facilitated various bilateral and multilateral initiatives, including projects aimed at combating desertification in developing countries [22][23]. - China's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under international agreements on desertification prevention is evident, with ongoing support for technology and project implementation in other nations [23].