Core Viewpoint - China is making significant progress in combating desertification, achieving a zero growth target for land degradation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, and is the largest contributor to global greening efforts [1] Group 1: Achievements in Desertification Control - Xinjiang has implemented a green ecological barrier around the Taklamakan Desert, marking it as the world's longest desert green barrier [2] - The Taklamakan Desert edge battle has achieved a milestone with the completion of a 3,046 km green barrier, effectively encircling the desert [2] - By 2025, Xinjiang aims to complete 13.76 million acres of the "Three-North" project, with 9.38 million acres of expansion along the desert edge [3] Group 2: Sustainable Development Strategies - The focus is on sustainable development through a dual approach of increasing income and greening, with ongoing efforts to expand the green protective belt [3][4] - The strategy includes defining key battlefields around the desert edge, targeting areas vulnerable to wind and sand hazards [3] - Local governments are encouraged to adopt tailored approaches for sand control, integrating ecological and economic benefits [10][12] Group 3: Economic Integration and Industry Development - The development of a sand industry is crucial for sustainable desertification control, with initiatives to enhance the economic value of desert resources [14][18] - The integration of ecological construction with industry development is evident in regions like Aksu, where local economies are benefiting from the cultivation of fruit trees and eco-tourism [16] - The promotion of unique desert industries, such as black goji berry production, is contributing to local economic growth and ecological sustainability [14][16]

Core Viewpoint - Inner Mongolia has transformed from a region severely affected by desertification to one of the most successful provinces in combating desertification in China, achieving a historic shift from "desert advancing, people retreating" to "green advancing, desert retreating" [1][2]. Group 1: Achievements in Desertification Control - Inner Mongolia has completed 1.23 million acres of the "Three-North" project during the 14th Five-Year Plan, with 6.688 million acres specifically for desertification control [1]. - The region is responsible for 60% of the national comprehensive management tasks for desertified land, with plans to complete 3.06 million acres in 2024 and 2.368 million acres in 2025 [2]. - The Alxa League has constructed a 1,856-kilometer sand control belt, marking a significant achievement in desertification management [3][5]. Group 2: Innovative Techniques and Strategies - Alxa League has implemented grass grid technology to stabilize shifting sands and promote the growth of drought-resistant vegetation, creating a multi-layered protective system [4]. - The region has adopted aerial seeding techniques to enhance afforestation efforts in areas with annual rainfall below 200 mm, achieving significant increases in forest and grassland coverage [6]. - The "308 Locking Edge Forest Belt" project in the Ulan Buh Desert has been developed to prevent sand encroachment, showcasing a collaborative approach to ecological restoration [8][9]. Group 3: Economic and Ecological Benefits - The comprehensive management of the Kubuqi Desert has led to the establishment of a "photovoltaic wall," integrating renewable energy development with desertification control, capable of generating 2,000 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually [11]. - The ecological restoration efforts in the Horqin Sandy Land have resulted in a forest coverage rate of 15.17% and an average grassland coverage of 69.4%, contributing to local economic development [12]. - The introduction of the "grass-light complementary" ecological governance model in Xilingol League has transformed sandy areas into productive ecological economic zones [13]. Group 4: Future Directions and Recommendations - Future strategies for desertification control in Inner Mongolia will focus on integrated protection and systematic governance of mountains, waters, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and sands [2]. - The development of a comprehensive monitoring and management system that encompasses all ecological factors is recommended to enhance the effectiveness of desertification control projects [10]. - Emphasis on technological innovation in the sand industry is seen as crucial for merging ecological civilization with industrial development, promoting sustainable economic growth in desert regions [14].

Core Viewpoint - The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has successfully completed the expansion of the Taklamakan Desert's protective green belt, enhancing ecological protection and promoting the development of the sand industry through diverse sand control methods [1] Group 1: Expansion and Completion - As of the end of November, 21 key counties and cities around the Taklamakan Desert have completed an expansion task of 9.3822 million acres, widening the protective belt by 110 to 7,500 meters [1] - By late November 2024, the protective green belt around the Taklamakan Desert will be fully closed, covering a total length of 3,046 kilometers [1] Group 2: Ecological Protection and Restoration - The focus has been on enhancing the protection and restoration of forest, grassland, wetland, and desert ecosystems along the Taklamakan Desert's edge [1] - Various regions are exploring diversified sand control methods, such as "distributed photovoltaic + extraction of underground saline water + afforestation" in Shaya County and "engineering + biology + sand industry" in Yuli County [1] Group 3: Economic Impact - The total area of sand-resistant economic crops in Xinjiang has reached 10.8341 million acres, with over 364 processing enterprises, generating a total output value of 28.975 billion yuan [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing efforts in Xinjiang to combat desertification around the Taklamakan Desert through a comprehensive "green collar" initiative, which includes afforestation, community involvement, and innovative agricultural practices [2][18]. Group 1: Desertification Control Efforts - The Taklamakan Desert's "lock edge" project, completed on November 28, 2024, spans 3,046 kilometers and has transitioned to a new phase of expansion and solidification [2][3]. - In 2025, Xinjiang has achieved a cumulative expansion of 936.17 million acres of green coverage, increasing the width of the green protective belt by 110 meters to 7,500 meters [9][18]. - The "green collar" initiative is supported by various policies, including ecological water use and land rights, facilitating diverse desertification control methods [13][14]. Group 2: Community Involvement and Economic Development - Local farmers are actively participating in desertification control, with 6.18 million acres of land treated in Hetian County, involving 69 villages and 1,278 households [7][18]. - The rise of the "sand industry" is evident, with the cultivation of medicinal herbs and flowers like Cistanche and roses, significantly boosting local economies and providing employment opportunities [18][21]. - The integration of ecological and economic benefits is emphasized, with over 1,083.41 million acres of economic crops planted on desertified land, generating a total output value of 28.975 billion yuan [21]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Innovative practices such as "interval desertification control" and "photovoltaic water extraction" are being implemented to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of desertification control efforts [14][16]. - The use of modern agricultural techniques and machinery has improved operational efficiency and increased the survival rate of planted vegetation [13][14]. Group 4: Sustainable Development - The article underscores the importance of sustainable development, where ecological restoration and economic growth are interlinked, creating a cycle of environmental and economic benefits [18][21]. - The ongoing projects aim to establish a robust ecological barrier while simultaneously fostering local economic growth, demonstrating a model for sustainable development in arid regions [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts of the residents of Wenaletai Kushi Village in Xinjiang to combat desertification and transform their environment through a combination of ecological and economic strategies [1][8]. Group 1: Desertification Combat Efforts - The village is surrounded by the Taklamakan Desert, with over 20 square kilometers of land affected by desertification, prompting a "home defense battle" against encroaching sand [1][3]. - The first secretary of the Kashgar region's forestry bureau, Dai Zhigang, has been actively leading sand prevention and control efforts since 2023, guiding villagers in land leveling and large-scale afforestation [3][6]. - The initial sand control methods were adapted from surrounding areas, leading to a combined strategy of "biological sand control + engineering sand fixation" [6]. Group 2: Implementation and Results - The villagers have successfully created over 2,800 acres of artificial protective forest and established more than 500 acres of grass grids since March 2024 [6]. - The village has also begun experimenting with planting economic crops such as "desert ginseng" (Cistanche deserticola) in the newly established forests, with the first harvest occurring this year [8][10]. - A total of 920 acres have been planned for experimental forestry, including various economic crops like apricots, pistachios, and other plants, aiming to enhance economic benefits from the desert [10]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The sand industry in the village is projected to create stable employment for 29 individuals and temporary jobs for 640 people by the first half of 2025, generating an additional income of 544,000 yuan [10]. - The transformation from "sand encroachment" to "sand reclamation" and ultimately to "gold mining from sand" reflects the villagers' hard work and innovative spirit in improving their living conditions [10].

Core Viewpoint - Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has made significant progress in ecological civilization construction since the 14th Five-Year Plan, implementing a comprehensive forest chief system to enhance forestry and grassland governance, and creating a robust ecological security barrier around the Taklamakan Desert [3][7][18] Group 1: Forest Chief System Implementation - The establishment of a five-level forest chief system has been accelerated since 2021, with over 30,000 forest chiefs appointed by the end of 2024 [7] - The system includes coordination mechanisms such as "forest chief + river (lake) chief" and "forest chief + prosecutor" to enhance resource protection [7] - Xinjiang has received excellent ratings in national forest chief assessments for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024 [7] Group 2: Ecological Restoration and Green Development - The "Three-North" project has achieved the construction of 12.95 million acres of ecological barriers, promoting the integration of ecological protection with rural revitalization and renewable energy industries [12][18] - The region has seen a shift from "protecting green" to "increasing green," with significant investments in afforestation and ecological restoration projects [12][18] - The introduction of innovative practices, such as the "land-based forestry" initiative, has improved funding for forest management and enhanced local economic development [16] Group 3: Local Initiatives and Community Involvement - Various counties have developed unique ecological industries, such as the apple plantation in Zepu County, which integrates ecological restoration with economic benefits [14] - Community participation in afforestation and sand control has been encouraged, leading to successful projects like the establishment of sand control teams and the promotion of ecological sand industries [11][15] - The transformation of desert areas into productive landscapes has improved local livelihoods and biodiversity, with significant increases in wildlife populations [17][18]

Core Viewpoint - The cultivation and harvesting of Cistanche deserticola, known as "desert ginseng," in the Uytian County of Xinjiang is significantly contributing to local economic development and ecological restoration efforts in desert areas [1][3][4]. Group 1: Cultivation and Harvesting - Cistanche deserticola is a parasitic plant with high medicinal value, primarily growing at the roots of the tamarisk and red willow trees, and the current harvesting season covers an area of 240,000 acres in Uytian County [1][2]. - The harvesting process requires careful techniques to avoid damaging the root systems of Cistanche deserticola, which is crucial for its future growth and market value [1]. - The main harvesting periods for Cistanche deserticola are in spring and autumn, with the autumn harvest starting from late October to the end of November [2]. Group 2: Ecological and Economic Impact - The establishment of ecological forests in Uytian County, which was previously desert, has been made possible through scientific water management and the use of drip irrigation systems [2]. - The integration of desert ecological management with the development of the sand industry has led to increased income for local farmers, with many benefiting from the cultivation of Cistanche deserticola [3][4]. - A cooperative model involving "enterprises + bases + cooperatives + farmers" has been implemented to facilitate the sales and storage of Cistanche deserticola, enhancing market access for local producers [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the desert plant, Cistanche, known as "desert ginseng," which is harvested in the Uytian County of Xinjiang, emphasizing its medicinal and economic value, as well as the sustainable practices involved in its cultivation and harvesting [1][2][9]. Group 1: Cultivation and Harvesting - Cistanche grows as a parasite on the roots of the red willow and saxaul trees, relying on them for nutrients, and is currently in the harvesting season across 240,000 acres in Uytian County [1][2][9]. - The harvesting process is meticulous, requiring careful removal of sand to avoid damaging the roots, which is crucial for the plant's future growth and market value [4][9]. - The harvesting season primarily occurs in spring and autumn, with the current year's total production expected to exceed 40,000 tons [9]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Community Involvement - The integration of desert ecological management with the development of the sand industry has led to increased income for local farmers, as more villagers engage in Cistanche cultivation [9][10][12]. - A cooperative model involving "enterprises + bases + cooperatives + farmers" has been established to facilitate the sale and storage of Cistanche, ensuring that local farmers can sell their harvests efficiently [10][12]. - Local farmers are encouraged to plant protective forests alongside Cistanche, contributing to environmental sustainability while enhancing their economic prospects [10][12].

Core Insights - Inner Mongolia's Alxa League has achieved a milestone in desertification control, with a cumulative treatment area exceeding 10 million acres, establishing a green defense line to improve the ecological environment in northern China and promote green development [1] - The region is responsible for 60% of the national desertification control tasks, emphasizing the importance of a sustained effort in combating desertification [1] - The focus of desertification control has shifted from merely stopping desert expansion to enhancing green coverage and solidifying the results of previous efforts [1] Group 1 - The implementation of "locking edge" projects has been recognized as an effective measure to prevent desert expansion, utilizing methods such as grass grids, biological sand fixation, and photovoltaic sand control [1] - There is still room for improvement in the scale, width, and quality of these locking edge projects, with future efforts aimed at expanding green areas [1] - Technological advancements are crucial for desertification control, with a need to address key technical bottlenecks and integrate technology with engineering solutions [2] Group 2 - The development of the sand industry is emerging as a new economic growth point, with desert tourism being a significant direction for utilizing desert resources [2] - The Badain Jaran Desert in Inner Mongolia was included in the World Heritage List, highlighting the potential for eco-tourism and sustainable development [2] - A principle of "suitable vegetation" is emphasized for desert management, advocating for a diversified investment mechanism and encouraging participation from various stakeholders in desertification control efforts [3]

Core Viewpoint - Inner Mongolia's Alxa League has launched its autumn afforestation work, aiming to complete a task of 560,000 acres by the end of December, contributing to over 10 million acres of land treated since the implementation of the "Three-North" project in 1978 [1][1][1] Group 1: Afforestation Efforts - The afforestation plan includes the use of drought-resistant native shrubs and herbaceous plants such as Haloxylon ammodendron, Caragana korshinskii, and Zygophyllum xanthoxylum [1] - The region is characterized by extreme ecological fragility, with the presence of three major deserts: Badain Jaran, Tengger, and Ulan Buh [1] Group 2: Economic and Ecological Integration - The Alxa League promotes the integration of sand prevention and control with the sand industry, encouraging local farmers and herdsmen to participate in project construction and management [1] - This initiative aims to create job opportunities and increase income for local residents, fostering a positive interaction between ecological protection and livelihood improvement [1]