Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant progress made by Shaanxi Province in combating desertification and promoting key ecological projects, particularly through the "Three North" shelterbelt program, which has led to a substantial reduction in desertified land and improved ecological conditions in the Yellow River basin [1][2]. Group 1: Achievements in Desertification Control - Shaanxi Province has completed afforestation over 63 million acres since the initiation of the "Three North" shelterbelt program in 1978, reducing desertified land from 36 million acres at the founding of New China to 18.35 million acres [1]. - The area of severely and extremely severely desertified land has decreased by over 2 million acres, representing a reduction rate of 82% [1]. - The annual sediment load entering the Yellow River has dropped from over 800 million tons in the 1980s to 260 million tons [1]. Group 2: Collaborative Efforts and Agreements - A cross-regional and cross-departmental governance framework has been established, with the formation of a high-quality promotion task force and project review center for forestry projects, resulting in 32 projects being stored for the "Three North" program [2]. - Cooperation agreements have been signed among cities including Yulin, Ordos, Qingyang, Shizuishan, and Wuzhong to jointly advance sand control efforts [2]. - A framework cooperation agreement has been signed between the Shaanxi Provincial Forestry Bureau and the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Bureau to promote comprehensive desertification control and ecological governance in the Yellow River basin [2].

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].