Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful ecological restoration efforts in the Taitema Lake area of Xinjiang, transforming a previously desolate region into a vibrant ecosystem through various environmental management strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - The Taitema Lake area, once a barren salt and alkali land, has been revitalized through a comprehensive ecological water diversion project initiated by the Chinese government in 2001, with a total investment of approximately 10.7 billion RMB [2]. - The vegetation coverage in the lower Tarim River has increased from over 830 square kilometers in 2000 to over 1,790 square kilometers in 2023, with the number of plant species rising from 7 to 26 [4]. - The implementation of a "dual-channel, multi-period, long-duration, small-flow" water diversion model has effectively replenished the fragile ecological areas and groundwater levels [2]. Group 2: Sand Control Initiatives - A "sand control and green protection" project is being executed in the eastern region of Taitema Lake, utilizing an "interval sand control" model that combines grass grids with high vertical sand barriers to mitigate wind damage and stabilize shifting sands [5][7]. - Local residents have reported that the sand control measures have significantly reduced the impact of wind and sand on wetlands and vegetation, leading to an increase in tourism [7]. - The region is exploring a "engineering + biological + sand industry" model for sand control, integrating the cultivation of economic plants like hawthorn and seabuckthorn to achieve both sand control and economic benefits [8][10].

Core Viewpoint - China's ambitious ecological restoration projects have transformed the Loess Plateau, previously one of the most severely degraded areas, leading to a significant return of endangered bird species as a testament to ecological balance restoration [1][2] Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - The Chinese government initiated the "Grain for Green" program at the end of the 20th century to combat desertification and restore ecosystems, resulting in over 30,000 square kilometers of rain-fed farmland being converted to forests or grasslands by 2016 [1] - Vegetation coverage increased by 25% over a decade, with the forest and grassland coverage on the Loess Plateau rising from 31.6% in 1999 to 67% in 2020, marking a historic transformation from barren to green [1] Group 2: Biodiversity and Wildlife Return - The restoration efforts have not only reduced soil erosion but also gradually restored biodiversity, with a significant number of bird species returning to the region, indicating the success of the ecological project [2] - As of 2024, data recorded 2,852 animals representing 69 different species in the area, showcasing the positive impact of artificial reforestation on nesting species and the stabilization of the local ecosystem [2] Group 3: Symbolic Species and Ecological Impact - In October 2023, 40 captive-bred Crested Ibis, a species once on the brink of extinction in China, were released back into the Loess Plateau, symbolizing China's commitment to species conservation [2] - The returning bird populations play a crucial role in stabilizing the plateau's ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal, which accelerates natural vegetation regeneration [2]