Core Viewpoint - The "Three North" project is a significant national strategy aimed at combating desertification and improving ecological conditions in northern China, with a focus on high-quality development and integrated management of natural resources [1][4]. Group 1: Project Overview - The "Three North" project, initiated in 1978, targets areas severely affected by desertification, with a total planned area of 4.069 million square kilometers across 13 provinces and regions [2][3]. - The project aims to increase forest coverage from 5.05% in 1978 to 14.95% by 2050, while effectively controlling sand hazards and soil erosion [2]. Group 2: Phased Development - The project has been implemented in phases, with the first phase (1978-1985) focusing on agricultural ecological barriers and achieving afforestation of 5.35 million hectares [3]. - Subsequent phases have progressively expanded the scope and objectives, culminating in the completion of 31.74 million hectares of afforestation by 2020, raising forest coverage to 13.84% [3]. Group 3: Current Phase and Goals - The current sixth phase (2021-2030) emphasizes consolidating and expanding achievements in sand control, with a focus on integrated protection of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts [4][5]. - Key battles include the Yellow River "bending" campaign and the eradication of sand hazards in specific regions, supported by a coordinated governance mechanism [4][5]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - The project has seen a shift towards mechanized sand control, with nearly 50% of operations now utilizing advanced machinery, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs [6][8]. - Innovations in technology, such as the "Linji Cloud" system for equipment monitoring, have enhanced operational management and effectiveness [7]. Group 5: Economic Integration - The project has successfully integrated ecological restoration with economic development, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops [11][12]. - For instance, the development of the goji berry industry in Ningxia has created a complete industrial chain, contributing to a total output value of 29 billion yuan [14]. Group 6: Regional Practices - Inner Mongolia has implemented various innovative models for sand control, achieving significant ecological improvements and economic benefits through community involvement and technological integration [17][21]. - The region has seen a transformation from "sand encroachment" to "green recovery," with substantial increases in vegetation cover and economic output from ecological industries [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - China is one of the countries most severely affected by desertification, yet it has also achieved significant results in combating it, particularly in the "Three North" region, where 70% of desertified land is grassland [1] Group 1: Challenges and Strategies in Desertification Control - The "Three North" Shelter Forest Program has increased forest coverage but faces challenges such as high costs, low efficiency, and sustainability issues in achieving a scientific balance of water, soil, and vegetation [1][2] - A recent meeting by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration emphasized principles like "water determines greenery" and the need for a coordinated approach to combat desertification, integrating water, soil, vegetation, and climate factors [2][8] Group 2: Importance of Quality Seed Sources - The "Three North" program highlights the need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to tree planting, advocating for the selection of drought-resistant plant species suited to local conditions [3] - Mengcao Ecology, a company focused on grass seed technology, has established 18 specialized seed research institutes and developed 295 native plant varieties, contributing significantly to the "Three North" program [4] Group 3: Technological Innovations in Desertification Control - Technological advancements, such as drone monitoring and satellite remote sensing, are becoming essential tools for effective desertification control [7][8] - Mengcao Ecology has developed a comprehensive technology system for desertification control, including customized seed products and over 1,270 pieces of machinery for efficient ecological restoration [10] Group 4: Economic Integration and Sustainable Development - The integration of renewable energy projects with desertification control, such as "photovoltaic + desertification control," has shown to enhance economic benefits while promoting ecological restoration [11] - The establishment of modern grass industry demonstration zones aims to increase forage supply and support the development of the livestock industry, addressing the challenge of forage shortages [14]