Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of the Khorchin Sandy Land in Inner Mongolia from a desertified area to a green landscape through extensive ecological restoration efforts [1][3]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - The Khorchin Sandy Land is the largest sandy area in China and a significant source of dust storms affecting the Beijing-Tianjin region [1]. - Since the initiation of the "Three-North Shelter Forest Program" in 1978, the area has seen the establishment of the largest artificial forest belt in history [3]. - The "Ten Million Mu Khorchin Sandy Land Comprehensive Management Project" launched in 2014 has led to significant greening efforts [3]. Group 2: Techniques and Innovations - A new planting method called "deep planting and shallow burying" has been developed, increasing the survival rate of saplings from approximately 50% to over 90% while saving more than 50% of water resources [3]. - The use of technology has evolved from manual labor to employing drones and straw sand-fixing machines for sand control [5]. Group 3: Results and Achievements - Over 30 million acres of severely desertified land have been effectively managed, with a reduction in desertification and sandification areas [3]. - The forest coverage rate has increased from 8.9% in 1978 to 19.49%, and the comprehensive vegetation coverage of grasslands has reached 64.86% [3]. - In Khorchin Right Banner, the forest coverage rate has risen to 18.54%, and grassland vegetation coverage has reached 76.38% [5]. - The cultivation of economic forest varieties, such as ornamental crabapple, has led to an annual output value of nearly 500 million yuan, benefiting local communities [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts of the youth sand control team in Inner Mongolia's Ulan Buh Desert, showcasing their successful initiatives in desertification control and ecological restoration, which have transformed the region into a greener landscape while ensuring food security and local livelihoods [3][5][10]. Group 1: Historical Context and Achievements - The Ulan Buh Desert has been a significant environmental challenge, contributing over 70 million tons of sediment to the Yellow River annually, threatening its stability [3]. - Since 1950, the local government has led a persistent campaign against desertification, resulting in the establishment of a 308-mile protective forest belt by 1959, which has been crucial in halting the eastward expansion of the desert [5][6]. - The youth sand control team has been recognized for their contributions, receiving the 2025 China Youth May Fourth Medal Collective award [3]. Group 2: Technological Innovations and Modern Approaches - Recent advancements include the development of cold storage techniques for seedlings, allowing for year-round planting and significantly improving survival rates [9]. - The integration of modern technologies such as drones, remote sensing, and big data analysis has shifted sand control strategies from traditional methods to more efficient, technology-driven approaches [9]. - The establishment of a new "308 Locking Edge Forest Belt" combines engineering, shrub planting, and protective measures to create a modern "green wall" against desert encroachment [9]. Group 3: Economic and Ecological Synergies - The introduction of a "photovoltaic + ecological governance" model has enabled the dual use of land for solar energy production and ecological restoration, enhancing both economic and environmental outcomes [11][12]. - The local economy has benefited from the development of various ecological industries, with over 90 enterprises engaged in desert management and related activities, generating an annual output value exceeding 1 billion yuan [12]. - The cultivation of medicinal plants and other sustainable practices has created new income opportunities for local residents, contributing to rural revitalization [12]. Group 4: Research and Development - The China Forestry Science Research Institute's Desert Forestry Experimental Center plays a vital role in assessing and optimizing desert ecosystems, focusing on the selection and breeding of drought-resistant tree species [14][15]. - The center has introduced various tree species and developed methods to enhance their survival in harsh desert conditions, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological health of the Ulan Buh Desert [15]. - Continuous research efforts have led to significant improvements in forest coverage, increasing from 0.04% at the founding of New China to 39.1% today, marking a substantial ecological transformation [14].

Group 1 - The formation of the world's longest ecological barrier around the Taklamakan Desert, measuring 3046 kilometers, marks a significant achievement in desertification control efforts [1] - The government has allocated 1 billion yuan annually for desertification control, and policies like the "Nine Sand Measures" are encouraging social capital to invest in desert management [1] - Companies like Tangnong Wantuo are actively participating in desertification control, with plans to plant 4200 acres of sand-fixing plants this year [1] Group 2 - Technological advancements are transforming desert management practices, with smart planting robots and automated machinery significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs [2] - The integration of economic benefits with ecological construction is essential for sustainable development, as seen in the cultivation of desert plants like robor and meat fungus [2] - The production of meat fungus in Yutian County has reached 40,000 tons, accounting for 85% of the national output, creating over 10,000 jobs and linking ecological restoration with economic growth [2] Group 3 - New agricultural models combining various plant types are being tested to promote ecological balance and market risk mitigation in desert areas [3] - Ongoing efforts in biological, engineering, and photovoltaic desertification control are enhancing the effectiveness of the ecological barrier around the Taklamakan Desert [3]