Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant efforts and successes in desertification control in Inner Mongolia, particularly in the Khorchin Sandy Land, which is the largest sandy area in China and a major source of dust storms near Beijing [2][5]. Group 1: Desertification Control Efforts - The Khorchin Sandy Land is recognized as one of the four major sandy areas in China and is crucial in the context of environmental management [2]. - Local practitioners have developed an innovative planting method called "deep planting and shallow burying," which has increased the survival rate of saplings from 50% to over 90% [5]. Group 2: Environmental Impact - The transformation of the landscape from barren to green signifies the dedication of generations of desertification control workers [4]. - The visible greenery in the region serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the desertification control measures implemented [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the essential role of deserts in the overall ecosystem and discusses the reasons for desertification management rather than complete eradication of deserts [1] Group 1 - Deserts are an integral part of the ecological system, contributing to biodiversity and various environmental processes [1] - The management of deserts focuses on sustainable practices rather than elimination, highlighting the importance of preserving these ecosystems [1]

Core Insights - China has completed the protection and restoration of over 8.3 million hectares through integrated conservation projects, contributing approximately 25% of the world's new greening area [1] - The country is gaining international recognition as a leader in desertification control, exemplified by the recent training program held in Gansu for officials from Arab nations [1][2] Group 1: Desertification Control Initiatives - The training program in Gansu attracted 36 officials from countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, focusing on vegetation restoration and ecological protection [1] - The program is part of a broader initiative, with 41 training sessions conducted since last year, involving over 1,000 participants from 59 countries [2] - The successful implementation of desertification control techniques has led to the establishment of modern agricultural practices in arid regions, such as the cultivation of vegetables in Gansu [2][3] Group 2: Agricultural Development - In Gansu, the Suwu Modern Agricultural Industrial Park produces various vegetable types, achieving an annual output value of approximately 20 million yuan from 60 tons of vegetables shipped to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [2][3] - The introduction of new technologies, such as the "sand membrane" technique in Xinjiang, has enabled the cultivation of alfalfa in desert areas, significantly improving agricultural productivity [4][5] - In Liaoning's Changtu County, desertification control efforts have transformed previously unproductive land into fertile agricultural areas, maintaining a stable grain output of over 5 billion jin since 2019 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Desertification is a severe ecological challenge faced by humanity, with significant transformations observed in the Babu Sha area of Gulang County, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, China [2] Group 1 - The area previously characterized by extensive sand has undergone remarkable changes, showcasing China's success in combating desertification [2] - Pakistani student Suban expresses curiosity about the stories behind these changes and actively participates in exploring the desert alongside forest rangers [2] Group 2 - The initiative involves collaboration with various institutions, including Lanzhou University and local forestry departments, highlighting a collective effort in environmental restoration [2] - The production of this narrative is a joint effort by multiple media organizations, emphasizing the importance of communication in sharing ecological success stories [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts of a group of veterans in Xinjiang, China, who have dedicated themselves to afforestation and desertification control in a challenging environment, achieving significant ecological and economic benefits over seven years [1][2]. Group 1: Afforestation Efforts - The veterans, led by Tian Ye, have been planting trees in the desert for seven years, nurturing them with great care, and have successfully grown the first batch of tamarisk trees to a height of one meter [1]. - The team initially faced significant challenges, including the need to level moving sand dunes and establish infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and irrigation systems before planting [1][2]. - The survival rate of the planted saplings has improved to over 85% through continuous learning and adaptation of techniques from other regions [2]. Group 2: Economic and Social Impact - The "Veteran Desert Control Team" has expanded from three to ten members, primarily consisting of veterans, and has been recognized locally for their contributions [2]. - They have raised over 24 million yuan (approximately 3.4 million USD) to plant over 11,000 acres of desert with various drought-resistant plants and have cultivated 8,300 acres of Cistanche [2]. - The team has begun collaborating with enterprises to produce and sell Cistanche products, generating significant economic returns [2]. Group 3: Future Plans - The veterans are currently developing new afforestation plans, focusing on planting diverse species, including the Chinese jujube, to enhance biodiversity in the desert [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful implementation of desertification control projects in Alxa, Inner Mongolia, particularly the "Nine Trees" project, which aims to combat sand encroachment and restore ecological balance in the region [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The "Nine Trees" project is a key part of the "Three-North" shelterbelt program, focusing on ecological restoration in the Alxa region, which is strategically located between the Badain Jaran and Tengger deserts [1][3]. - The project employs a method combining "grass grid sand barriers" and drought-resistant plant cultivation to enhance soil structure and combat wind erosion [3]. Group 2: Achievements and Goals - Over the past decade, the project has successfully completed ecological construction tasks covering 532.6 million mu (approximately 35.5 million hectares) [5]. - In 2023, the Alxa League aims to complete an additional 470 million mu of ecological restoration, focusing on creating protective belts along the borders with Ningxia and Gansu provinces [5]. Group 3: Community Involvement - The project encourages local farmers and herders to participate through labor employment and equipment leasing, with 305 million mu of the annual target already completed, representing 65% of the goal [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the long-term efforts of a family in Gansu Province, China, to combat desertification through tree planting and land restoration, showcasing their dedication and innovative methods over 26 years [4][14]. Group 1: Family's Journey and Efforts - The family, led by Wang Tianchang, moved to the desert 26 years ago to combat the encroaching sand dunes that threatened their agricultural land [5][14]. - They developed a method of planting trees in "grass grids" to stabilize the sand and promote vegetation growth, which has resulted in significant ecological improvements [4][12]. - The family has faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and limited water resources, but they have persevered with innovative techniques and tools [7][11]. Group 2: Community and Government Support - The local government and community have provided support through funding, infrastructure improvements, and resources for tree planting, enhancing the family's efforts [13][14]. - The family's story has inspired broader community involvement, with volunteers and donations contributing to their tree planting initiatives [14][17]. - The area has seen substantial progress in desertification control, with millions of acres of land treated and increased vegetation coverage [14]. Group 3: Legacy and Future Plans - The family is committed to passing down their tree planting efforts to future generations, ensuring the continuation of their environmental work [15][18]. - They have achieved a tree survival rate of over 85%, demonstrating the effectiveness of their methods and dedication [12]. - The family's legacy is marked by their resilience and the hope of transforming the desert into a greener landscape for future generations [16][18].