Core Viewpoint - Egypt seeks to learn from China's successful practices in arid land greening and sustainable development, particularly in desertification control, water resource management, and agricultural productivity enhancement [1][2]. Group 1: Cooperation and Research - The Desert Research Center in Egypt has initiated scientific cooperation and academic exchanges with China, with many Egyptian researchers obtaining advanced degrees in environmental, agricultural, and desertification prevention fields in China [1]. - A memorandum of understanding for sustainable agricultural cooperation was signed on September 30, involving the Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Sino-African Joint Research Center, and the Desert Research Center in Cairo [1]. - The Sino-African Joint Research Center will establish a regional office at the Desert Research Center to enhance collaboration among research institutions in China, Egypt, and other North African countries [1]. Group 2: Agricultural Challenges and Solutions - The Desert Research Center is collaborating with Chinese investors and scientists to cultivate non-traditional high-yield crops that can grow in saline and arid conditions, aiming for higher yields with less water [2]. - Egypt faces significant challenges in meeting food demand due to population growth, compounded by severe water shortages and limited arable land [2]. - The annual per capita water resource in Egypt is only 500 cubic meters, categorizing it as extremely water-scarce according to international standards [2]. Group 3: Environmental Protection and Sustainability - Egypt loses land annually due to desertification, drought, and shifting sand dunes, making cooperation with China on green protective belts and afforestation projects crucial for environmental protection and investment security [2]. - Both Egypt and China are committed to sustainable development through technological research and international cooperation, particularly with China, to ensure water and food security for future generations [2].

Core Viewpoint - Egypt seeks to learn from China's successful practices in sustainable development and desertification management, particularly in areas such as water resource management and agricultural productivity [1][2]. Group 1: Cooperation and Collaboration - The Egyptian Desert Research Center has engaged in scientific cooperation and academic exchanges with Chinese institutions, with many Egyptian researchers obtaining advanced degrees in relevant fields in China [1]. - A memorandum of understanding was signed between Chinese and Egyptian institutions to promote sustainable agriculture, scientific research, and experience sharing [2]. - A regional office will be established at the Egyptian Desert Research Center to enhance collaboration among research institutions in China, Egypt, and other North African countries [2]. Group 2: Agricultural and Environmental Challenges - Egypt faces significant challenges in food demand due to population growth, compounded by severe water shortages and limited arable land [2]. - The Egyptian Desert Research Center is working with Chinese investors and scientists to cultivate non-traditional high-yield crops that can thrive in saline and arid conditions, aiming for higher yields with less water [2]. - Egypt's annual per capita water resource availability is only 500 cubic meters, categorizing it as extremely water-scarce according to international standards [2]. Group 3: Environmental Protection and Sustainability - Egypt loses land annually due to desertification, drought, and shifting sand dunes, making cooperation with China on green protective belts and afforestation projects crucial for environmental protection and investment security [3]. - Both Egypt and China are committed to sustainable development through technological research and international cooperation, particularly in securing water resources and food safety for future generations [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights Saudi Arabia's significant challenge of desertification and its ambitious plan to plant 10 billion trees, alongside China's successful desertification control experiences that serve as a valuable reference for global efforts [1][5][6]. Group 1: Saudi Arabia's Initiatives - Saudi Arabia is implementing a comprehensive plan to combat desertification, which includes planting 10 billion trees and restoring degraded land [1]. - The Jeddah Comprehensive Development Project, constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company, aims to plant over 500,000 trees of 93 species, including Phoenix trees and Ficus microcarpa [1][2]. - The project has established a nursery equipped with an intelligent irrigation system to create an ideal environment for plant growth, effectively reducing high temperatures and maintaining soil moisture [1][4]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The project team has developed a smart water and fertilizer integration system tailored for local conditions, which has doubled the cultivation efficiency and achieved a survival rate of 95% for over 30,000 cultivated seedlings [4]. - The intelligent irrigation system addresses the high salinity and suspended solids in local water sources, which could harm plant roots if used directly [2][4]. Group 3: International Collaboration - Saudi Arabia's government is deepening cooperation with Chinese green enterprises in desertification prevention, including a strategic partnership with Chinese desertification control companies [5]. - The establishment of the China-Arab International Research Center for Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation during the Kubuqi International Desert Forum indicates a commitment to further collaboration in combating desertification [5].

Core Points - The "2025 Global Top Ten Engineering Achievements" was recently announced, with the Taklamakan Desert Locking Project included as a significant accomplishment [2] - The project aims to create the world's longest ecological barrier around the desert, effectively controlling sand source expansion and protecting surrounding ecosystems [2] - The construction faced unprecedented challenges due to extreme environmental conditions, leading to innovative strategies for sand control [2] Summary by Category - **Project Overview** - The Taklamakan Desert Locking Project is recognized for its global impact and innovative engineering solutions [2][3] - It is part of a broader list that includes notable projects such as the Perseverance Mars Rover and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project [3] - **Engineering Challenges** - The project site in the Hotan region experiences over 60 days of strong winds annually, with sand dunes moving at rates of up to 100 meters per year [2] - A "three-in-one" comprehensive management strategy was implemented to enhance sand control efficiency and prolong the lifespan of sand barriers [2] - **Environmental Impact** - The project serves as a new model for desertification control and regional sustainable development, protecting oases, farmland, and grasslands [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights China's unique ecological governance model, particularly the innovative "wheat straw grid" method for desertification control in the Tengger Desert, showcasing effective practices and contributions to global desertification management [1][2]. Group 1: Ecological Governance Practices - The "wheat straw grid" method, developed in the 1950s, has been implemented over 430,000 acres in the Tengger Desert, significantly reversing desertification and promoting the growth of over 100 million desert plants [5][6]. - The method involves creating square grids of wheat straw to stabilize sand, reduce wind speed, and promote the formation of biological soil crust, which enhances plant growth [3][6]. - The Tengger Desert has seen a retreat of 25 kilometers due to these efforts, with a protective system established along the Baolan Railway, consisting of wheat straw grids and vegetation [5][6]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Recent advancements in technology have led to the mechanization and automation of the wheat straw grid method, increasing efficiency by over 60% and extending the lifespan of the grids from 2 years to 5-6 years [6][7]. - The introduction of new equipment, such as multifunctional sand-fixing vehicles and drones, has improved the maintenance and implementation of the wheat straw grids [6]. Group 3: Economic and Tourism Development - The ecological restoration efforts have transformed the Tengger Desert from an ecological burden into a unique tourism resource, attracting significant visitor numbers and generating substantial revenue [8]. - In 2024, the Shapotou Scenic Area received 1.46 million visitors, resulting in a total tourism revenue of 428 million yuan, demonstrating the economic potential of integrating ecological restoration with tourism [8].

Core Insights - The article highlights China's unique ecological governance model, particularly the innovative "straw grid" method for desertification control in the Tengger Desert, showcasing China's wisdom and solutions in ecological management [1][2]. Group 1: Ecological Governance Practices - The "straw grid" method, developed in the 1950s, involves laying straw in square patterns to stabilize sand, effectively reducing wind erosion and promoting vegetation growth [2][3]. - Over 430,000 acres of straw grids have been established in the Tengger Desert, contributing to the reversal of desertification and the growth of over 100 million sand-resistant plants [3][5]. - The successful implementation of this method has transformed the Tengger Desert from a severely sandstorm-affected area to a region with a protective ecological barrier for infrastructure like the Baolan Railway [3][6]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Recent advancements in technology have accelerated the formation of biological soil crusts, reducing the natural process from approximately 10 years to about 1 year [5]. - The introduction of mechanized and automated methods, such as the use of multi-functional sand-fixing vehicles and drones, has increased efficiency in establishing straw grids by over 60% [5][6]. Group 3: Economic and Tourism Development - The ecological restoration efforts have transformed the Tengger Desert into a tourist attraction, with the Shapotou Scenic Area receiving 1.46 million visitors and generating a total tourism revenue of 428 million yuan in 2024 [7]. - The integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism has turned the desert from an ecological burden into a valuable tourism resource, showcasing the successful application of ecological governance [7].

Core Insights - The article highlights China's successful desertification control efforts, particularly in the Kubuqi Desert, which has transformed from a "sea of death" to a model for global desert management [4][8]. Technology - The Kubuqi International Desert Forum showcased innovative desertification control techniques, including the construction of protective forest systems and the use of new water-retaining materials [5][6]. - The cost-effective grass grid method for sand fixation was discussed, with potential applications in other countries facing similar desertification challenges [5]. - The development of a new water-retaining material that can convert desert sand into waterproof concrete or landscape sand was presented, emphasizing China's technological advancements in desert management [6]. Benefits - The Kubuqi Desert's governance rate has reached 40%, significantly reducing sediment flow into the Yellow River from over 27 million tons to around 4 million tons [6]. - Local economic development has progressed alongside ecological restoration, with local farmers participating in land transfer and renewable energy projects [6][8]. Cooperation - The Kubuqi International Desert Forum serves as a platform for international cooperation and knowledge exchange in desertification control, with China sharing its successful practices globally [8][9]. - Various countries, including Mongolia and Saudi Arabia, have implemented Chinese desert management techniques, demonstrating the international recognition of China's efforts [8][9].

Core Insights - The 10th Kubuqi International Desert Forum was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, focusing on desertification prevention and innovative solutions [1][2] - China has made significant efforts in combating land degradation, with over 10 million kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity established in the "Photovoltaic Great Wall" desertification control area, covering approximately 800,000 acres [2] - China's desertification prevention methods have gained international recognition, with successful implementations in countries like Mongolia and Saudi Arabia [2][3] Group 1 - The forum attracted over 260 representatives from various countries, discussing innovative models for desertification control, including photovoltaic technology and integrated watershed management [1] - The "board on power generation, board under sand control, and grass planting between boards" model in the photovoltaic desertification control base impressed attendees, showcasing effective land restoration techniques [1] - The use of advanced machinery, such as drones and grass grid laying machines, has significantly improved the efficiency of desert vegetation survival rates [1] Group 2 - The Kubuqi International Desert Forum has become a vital platform for international cooperation and knowledge exchange in desertification control, demonstrating China's capability in land restoration [2] - China's "Three-North" project is recognized as a strong practice of international conventions on desertification and climate change, contributing valuable insights and solutions to global desertification challenges [3]

Core Insights - China's desertification and land degradation are experiencing a "double reduction," with a historic shift from "desert advancing and people retreating" to "green advancing and desert retreating" in key governance areas, achieving zero growth in land degradation ahead of global timelines [1] Group 1: Desertification and Land Management - The area of desertified land in China is 257 million hectares, accounting for 27% of the national territory, primarily located in the northwest, northeast, and north China [1] - The area of sandy land has been continuously reduced over four monitoring periods, shifting from an average annual expansion of 340,000 hectares at the end of the 20th century to a current average annual reduction of 670,000 hectares [1] Group 2: Environmental Improvements - The total soil erosion from China's eight major deserts and four sandy areas has decreased by approximately 40% since 2000, with average vegetation coverage reaching 20.22%, an increase of 2.6% compared to a decade ago [1] - The frequency of sandstorm events has decreased by 30% over the past ten years compared to the previous decade [1] Group 3: Economic Impact and Future Goals - Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, the "Three-North" project has completed comprehensive desertification management over an area exceeding 2 million acres, with a goal of achieving zero growth in land degradation by 2030 [1] - The desert regions produce 48 million tons of dry and fresh fruit annually, accounting for about one-quarter of the national total, with an annual total output value of 120 billion yuan, where income from forestry and fruit in key areas constitutes over 50% of farmers' net income [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing pollen allergy issues caused by Artemisia plants in northern China, particularly in cities like Hohhot, Beijing, and Taiyuan, and suggests scientific regional management strategies to mitigate these problems [2][3]. Group 1: Pollen Allergy Issues - Many residents in northern China are suffering from pollen allergies, with Hohhot experiencing high levels of allergy risk since September [2]. - The pollen from Artemisia plants, which are prevalent in the region, is identified as a major allergen, particularly during their flowering period in August and September [2][3]. Group 2: Ecological Role of Artemisia - Artemisia plants have historically played a significant role in combating desertification in northern China, with over 60 species present in Inner Mongolia [2][3]. - These plants were crucial in transforming shifting sand dunes into semi-fixed and fixed dunes, preventing the burial of agricultural and residential areas [2][3]. Group 3: Pollen Spread Characteristics - The spread of Artemisia pollen is influenced by plant height, pollen quantity, and weather conditions, with studies indicating that pollen can travel distances of up to 400 kilometers [3]. - Effective management strategies include removing Artemisia plants before they flower and using flowering inhibitors to reduce pollen production [3][4]. Group 4: Long-term Management Strategies - A two-pronged approach is recommended: early removal of Artemisia plants and the use of flowering inhibitors, which have shown to reduce flowering rates by 28.2% to 83.9% [3][4]. - For sustainable management, it is suggested to gradually replace Artemisia with other plants like Haloxylon ammodendron, which have lower pollen production and similar ecological benefits [5]. Group 5: Resource Utilization - The article emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to managing Artemisia, recognizing its ecological contributions while addressing public health concerns [5]. - There is potential for utilizing Artemisia as a biomass resource, despite its low palatability to livestock [5].