Group 1: Silk Road International Youth Imaging Exchange Program - The "Silk Road International Youth Imaging Exchange Program" recently held a creative camp in Yinchuan, involving scholars, young creators, and media reporters from nearly 30 countries [1] - Participants engaged in a week-long imaging creation exchange, training, and joint shooting practice to understand China's development and explore new Silk Road stories [1] Group 2: Desertification Control and Green Energy Development - The city of Zhongwei has successfully retreated the desert by 25 kilometers through a "five belts and one body" windbreak and sand fixation system, increasing vegetation coverage from 5% to 70% [2] - The innovative "grass grid" method, developed over generations, is recognized as a valuable experience for combating desertification, especially for countries facing similar threats [2] - Zhongwei is exploring new energy systems by integrating sand control with energy development, exemplified by the solar photovoltaic base in the Tengger Desert, which combines power generation with ecological restoration [2] Group 3: Transformation of Traditional Industries - Ningxia Shared Group is undergoing a transformation from traditional casting to a "smart factory" and high-end equipment manufacturing, utilizing advanced technologies like 3D printing and automated transport [3] - Zhongwei has become a national new internet exchange center and part of a major data center cluster, showcasing the rapid development of China's digital economy [3] - The region's historical significance as a key point on the ancient Silk Road is highlighted alongside its modern technological advancements, emphasizing China's commitment to openness and cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative [3]

Group 1 - The "Three-North" project has significantly improved the livelihoods of local herders, with successful sand control and ecological restoration efforts [1] - The introduction of Mongolian ice grass (Mengnong No. 1) as a preferred grass species for sand land management due to its drought resistance, cold tolerance, and adaptability [3][5] - The research team has developed multiple new varieties of ice grass through advanced breeding techniques, enhancing ecological restoration efficiency and economic development [6] Group 2 - The establishment of two standards for ice grass breeding provides systematic and practical methodologies to improve seed yield and resilience [7] - The ice grass breeding base spans 9,000 acres, with new technologies expected to increase biomass by over 10% [9] - The annual production of over 1,625 tons of ice grass from breeding bases supports sand control and ecological restoration efforts across multiple regions [12]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the importance of scientific methods in combating desertification and improving ecological systems in Xiangwu County, Liaoning Province [1][3][5] - The county has implemented innovative projects such as "four major projects" to build a comprehensive windbreak and sand-fixation system, which includes using trees, grass, water, and light to combat sand [5] - The survival rate of the grafting project for red pine has exceeded 90%, indicating a successful approach to enhance the quality of afforestation efforts in sandy areas [3] Group 2 - The forest coverage in Xiangwu County has increased from 2.9% to over 30%, demonstrating significant progress in ecological restoration [5] - The introduction of solar panels in agricultural fields has transformed previously barren sandy land into productive areas, showcasing the dual benefits of renewable energy and agricultural improvement [5] - The county's efforts have led to the advancement of the "Three North" shelterbelt towards the core of the Keshiketeng Desert by 13 kilometers, highlighting the effectiveness of their ecological initiatives [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful efforts in combating desertification in Liaoning Province, particularly through the introduction and cultivation of the Chinese fir (樟子松) in the region, showcasing a significant transformation from sand encroachment to afforestation and environmental restoration [1][6][9]. Group 1: Historical Context and Development - In the 1950s, the establishment of the Liaoning Provincial Forestry Research Station marked the beginning of organized efforts to combat desertification in the region [1][6]. - The introduction of Chinese fir by Liu Bin in the 1980s was pivotal, as it demonstrated the potential for afforestation in arid and sandy areas, despite initial challenges [3][6]. - By 1978, the afforestation technology using Chinese fir received national recognition, leading to its widespread adoption in the "Three North" regions of China, with over 10 million acres now covered [3][6]. Group 2: Contributions of Individuals - The dedication of individuals like Li Dongkui, who has spent over 30 years protecting and nurturing the Chinese fir forests, exemplifies the grassroots efforts that have contributed to the success of these initiatives [3][5][6]. - Li's commitment in harsh conditions underscores the human element in environmental restoration efforts [3][6]. Group 3: Current Achievements and Future Prospects - The area of sand-affected land in Zhangwu County has significantly decreased from 96% in the 1950s to 36.56% today, with a dramatic reduction in sandstorm days from 43 to an average of 5 per year [6]. - The merger of research institutions in 2018 has enhanced the capacity for sand management and afforestation, with over 20 billion seedlings produced annually [6][8]. - The adaptability of Chinese fir and other species is being leveraged for international efforts, with seedlings being exported to Mongolia for desertification control [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The prevention of desertification is a significant ecological issue affecting human survival and development, emphasized by the Chinese leadership as crucial for ecological security, national strength, and sustainable development of the Chinese nation [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Desertification Prevention - The situation regarding desertification and sand control in China remains severe, particularly in the "Three North" regions, which are economically underdeveloped and home to ethnic minorities [2]. - Historical experiences highlight the consequences of ecological degradation, with past desert expansions leading to the loss of significant cultural and economic areas, underscoring the need for proactive measures [3]. Group 2: Achievements and Strategies - Since the implementation of the "Three North" shelterbelt program initiated in 1978, China has made remarkable progress in combating desertification, achieving a historic shift from "sand encroaching on land" to "green reclaiming sand" [4]. - The leadership acknowledges the importance of sustained efforts and the need for a long-term commitment to desertification prevention, recognizing it as a challenging and ongoing process [5]. Group 3: Future Directions - The goal is to create new miracles in desertification prevention by adopting a systematic approach that integrates various ecological elements for comprehensive management [8]. - Successful examples of integrated management, such as in Inner Mongolia and Gansu, demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in restoring ecological balance [9]. Group 4: Scientific Approach - A scientific approach to desertification control is emphasized, advocating for research-based planning and the appropriate use of resources to ensure effective outcomes [10]. - The focus is on adapting strategies to local conditions, utilizing suitable vegetation types, and avoiding impractical interventions in areas unsuitable for transformation [10].

Core Viewpoint - The "Three-North" project is a significant national strategy aimed at combating desertification and enhancing ecological restoration in China's ecologically fragile regions, with a focus on systematic governance and integrated ecological protection [10]. Group 1: "Three-North" Project Overview - The "Three-North" project is positioned as a critical initiative for ecological protection and restoration in China's desertification-prone areas, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental management [10]. - The project aims to complete the governance of over 3.8 million hectares by 2024, marking a substantial step in ecological restoration efforts [10]. Group 2: Local Implementation and Innovations - In the Yellow River "Z" bend area, a systematic approach to sand control has been established, integrating natural protection areas, farmland shelterbelts, and designated zones for sand fixation and solar energy [2][3]. - In the Khorchin Sandy Land, innovative practices such as intercropping drought-resistant tree species have been implemented to enhance the resilience of afforestation efforts [6][7]. - The integration of solar energy projects with agricultural practices has transformed previously barren lands into productive areas, demonstrating the synergy between ecological restoration and economic development [7]. Group 3: Community Involvement and Economic Benefits - The local communities are actively engaged in sand control efforts, with policies facilitating the allocation of state-owned sandy lands to households for cultivation, thereby promoting both ecological and economic benefits [9]. - The production of desert plants like meat苁蓉 has surged, with the region accounting for 85% of the national output, showcasing the successful combination of ecological restoration and economic growth [9].