Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts and challenges faced by local herders in Inner Mongolia's Alxa Right Banner in combating desertification through tree planting, particularly focusing on the role of the "Three-North" shelter forest program initiated by the government [2][3]. Group 1: Environmental Initiatives - The Alxa Right Banner is a critical area for the "Three-North" shelter forest program, aimed at combating desertification and enhancing ecological security in China [2][3]. - Since the 1970s, local communities have engaged in afforestation, grass planting, and sand fixation to expand desert control efforts [2][3]. - The government has emphasized the importance of these initiatives for national ecological safety and sustainable development [2][3]. Group 2: Community Involvement - Local herders, such as Ma Fenmei, have dedicated years to planting trees in harsh desert conditions, demonstrating resilience and commitment to environmental restoration [3][4]. - The local government has mobilized farmers and herders to participate actively in tree planting, creating a collective effort to combat desertification [4][5]. - The "work-for-relief" model has been implemented to incentivize local communities, allowing them to contract tree planting projects, thereby increasing their income [4][5]. Group 3: Government Support and Oversight - The Alxa Right Banner's disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies have prioritized the "Three-North" project, focusing on quality, progress, and integrity in project execution [3][4]. - Regular monitoring and supervision of funding for public welfare forests and "work-for-relief" wages have been established to ensure timely and accurate disbursement of funds [5][6]. - As of now, the government has ensured the payment of 4.834 million yuan in overdue project funds, safeguarding the rights of local farmers [6].

Core Points - The article highlights China's significant progress in combating desertification and land degradation, with 53% of desertifiable land effectively managed by the end of 2024, resulting in a net reduction of 6.5 million acres of desertified land, achieving "zero growth" in land degradation and a dual reduction in desertification and sandification [1] Group 1: Individual Contributions - Wang Zhanfeng, a villager from Shanxi, has dedicated over 40 years to afforestation, transforming barren land into green areas, and has successfully greened over 3,000 acres with the support of local authorities [4][5] - Li Fengqi, a retired worker from Inner Mongolia, has been involved in tree planting since the establishment of the Xinhua Forest Farm in 1960, witnessing the transformation of the local environment from sand dunes to a green landscape [5][6] - Ma Junhe, a volunteer leader in Gansu, initiated an internet-based tree planting campaign, mobilizing over 70,000 volunteers to plant more than 25 million trees over 19 years, while also promoting local agricultural products [7][10] Group 2: Community and Technological Involvement - The article emphasizes the importance of community participation in desertification control, showcasing various individuals and groups who have contributed to afforestation efforts through innovative methods and volunteer actions [1][7] - Technological advancements and improved methods have significantly increased tree survival rates from below 50% to nearly 80% in Inner Mongolia, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining traditional practices with modern techniques [6] - The internet has played a crucial role in mobilizing volunteers and resources for afforestation projects, allowing for a broader reach and engagement in desertification control efforts [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The transformation of Minqin County from a "victim of sandstorms" to an "ecological wealth creator" through innovative desertification control techniques and economic diversification efforts [1][3][5] Group 1: Environmental and Ecological Changes - Minqin County is located in a fragile ecological zone, surrounded by two major deserts, and has historically been a hotspot for sandstorms [3] - Since the 1950s, the county has implemented afforestation projects, planting drought-resistant species like Haloxylon ammodendron to create a green barrier against desert encroachment [3][5] - The introduction of new technologies, such as grafting techniques and the cultivation of economic crops, has expanded income sources for local residents [1][5] Group 2: Economic Development and Community Impact - Local farmer Shen Yongsheng exemplifies the success of the "sand control + wealth creation" model, cultivating 20 acres of fennel and raising sheep for income [1][5] - The village has seen significant improvements in infrastructure, including paved roads and access to modern utilities, enhancing the quality of life for residents [5][7] - The use of the internet has opened new markets for local products, allowing villagers to sell fennel nationwide [5][7] Group 3: Government Initiatives and Future Plans - The "desert edge defense battle" launched in 2023 aims to strengthen desertification control efforts through a strategic layout of protective measures [7] - The plan includes three defensive lines: external enclosure restoration, edge engineering to block sand, and internal forest network optimization [7] - The comprehensive strategy focuses on various geographical areas to effectively combat sand invasion and maintain ecological security in the region [7]