Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of Wuqi County in Shaanxi, China, from barren land to a green and economically vibrant area through extensive afforestation and sustainable agricultural practices, resulting in increased income for local residents [4][12]. Group 1: Afforestation and Environmental Impact - Wuqi County has achieved a forest and grass coverage rate of 72.9%, up from 19.2% in 1997, due to long-term afforestation efforts [4][6][7]. - The county has cumulatively converted 2.46 million acres of land from farming to forestry, significantly improving the local ecosystem [6][11]. - The introduction of scientific planting methods has increased tree survival rates to over 90% [6]. Group 2: Economic Development and Agricultural Practices - The development of various industries such as fruit and vegetable farming, aquaculture, and eco-tourism has provided substantial income for local farmers, with an average annual increase of about 600,000 yuan per village [9][10]. - Wuqi County has over 352 reservoirs and more than 15,000 acres of aquaculture, contributing to a total agricultural output value exceeding 1.7 billion yuan in 2024 [9][10]. - The county's eco-tourism sector is thriving, with over 840,000 visitors expected in 2024, generating a tourism revenue of 413 million yuan [10]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Innovations - Wuqi County has signed a carbon trading agreement, developing 790,000 acres of carbon sink forests, with an estimated initial trading volume of 240,000 tons and projected revenue of 19.2 million yuan [11]. - The focus on enhancing the quality and efficiency of afforestation efforts indicates a strategic shift towards sustainable economic growth [6][12].

Core Insights - Xinjiang is focusing on combating desertification through the "Three-North" project, aiming to enhance green protective belts and increase governance areas significantly this year [1][2] - The region has successfully completed substantial tasks under the "Three-North" project, achieving a total of 28.34 million acres of construction and creating a 3,046-kilometer green barrier against desert encroachment [1] Group 1 - Xinjiang plans to scientifically determine suitable crops and utilize groundwater resources effectively, increasing the width of green protective belts from 110 meters to 7,500 meters and adding 4.79 million acres of governance area [1] - The "government-led, community-participation" model in the Yutian County has engaged approximately 36,000 residents in sand control efforts, promoting the cultivation of sand-resistant plants and developing sand-related industries [1] - The region has achieved a dual improvement in desertification control and water management, leading to a reduction in both desert and sandy land areas [1] Group 2 - The Yutian County Wanhuayuan "closing" area is a critical segment of the 285-kilometer gap along the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, exploring diverse planting models to enhance windbreak and sand-fixing capabilities while also tapping into economic value [2] - A special fund of 1.1 billion yuan has been allocated for this year, promoting an incentive model of "doing first, then compensating" and advancing technical upgrades with distributed photovoltaic systems and saline water irrigation [2] - A pilot project for forest and grass carbon sink development is set to cover 3.9 million acres [2]