Core Insights - Inner Mongolia has successfully transformed desert areas into green oases over several decades, addressing severe desertification issues [1] - The region has implemented a combination of engineering and biological measures for ecological restoration, including water conservation projects and the introduction of photovoltaic technology [2] - Local youth are actively participating in desertification control efforts, contributing to both environmental improvement and economic development [3][4] Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - Inner Mongolia's ecological restoration has significantly reduced the annual sediment load entering the Yellow River from 27 million tons to 4 million tons through comprehensive management of the "Ten Major Conduits" [2] - The region has invested approximately 166 million yuan (about 24 million USD) in 2022 and 151 million yuan (about 22 million USD) in 2023 for ecological restoration projects [2] - The area has seen a dramatic decrease in sandstorm occurrences, from over 20 times a year to four or five times, indicating substantial ecological improvement [1][2] Group 2: Economic Development through Environmental Initiatives - Local entrepreneur Wang Gang has pioneered the cultivation of Haloxylon ammodendron and its grafting with Cistanche deserticola, leading to economic benefits for the community [3][4] - The cooperative established by Wang Gang has grown from 3 to 15 households, demonstrating the economic potential of sustainable practices in desert areas [3][4] - The region's daily desertification control efforts have increased from 40,000 mu in 2023 to a projected 60,000 mu in 2024, showcasing a commitment to sustainable land management [5]

Core Viewpoint - Inner Mongolia has successfully transformed desert areas into green oases over several decades, showcasing effective ecological restoration and sustainable development practices [1][3][5]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - The Alxa League in Inner Mongolia has implemented significant projects to combat desertification, including the establishment of a large-scale photovoltaic base that supports economic crops, turning barren land into productive areas [1][3]. - The "Black Lai Gou" comprehensive management area in Ordos City has seen a dramatic reduction in sandstorm occurrences from over 20 times a year to four or five times, thanks to nearly 30 years of ecological restoration efforts [5][7]. - The annual sediment load entering the Yellow River from the area has decreased from 27 million tons to 4 million tons, representing an 85% reduction, significantly improving the local ecological environment [7][12]. Group 2: Innovative Techniques and Community Involvement - Innovative techniques such as pipeline water transportation have been introduced to address water scarcity, which is a critical challenge in desert management [7][9]. - Local youth, like Wang Gang, have returned to their hometowns to engage in sand control and ecological restoration, establishing cooperatives to maximize economic benefits from sustainable practices [9][10]. - The cooperative established by Wang Gang has expanded from three to fifteen households, demonstrating the growing community involvement in sustainable land management and economic development [10][12]. Group 3: Economic Impact and Future Prospects - The integration of ecological restoration with economic activities, such as the cultivation of Haloxylon ammodendron and its grafting with Cistanche deserticola, has created dual benefits of environmental improvement and economic gain for local farmers [12][13]. - Inner Mongolia's daily sand control efforts have increased from 40,000 acres in 2023 to a projected 60,000 acres in 2024, indicating a commitment to ongoing ecological restoration [12][13].