Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing efforts in Xinjiang to combat desertification around the Taklamakan Desert through a comprehensive "green collar" initiative, which includes afforestation, community involvement, and innovative agricultural practices [2][18]. Group 1: Desertification Control Efforts - The Taklamakan Desert's "lock edge" project, completed on November 28, 2024, spans 3,046 kilometers and has transitioned to a new phase of expansion and solidification [2][3]. - In 2025, Xinjiang has achieved a cumulative expansion of 936.17 million acres of green coverage, increasing the width of the green protective belt by 110 meters to 7,500 meters [9][18]. - The "green collar" initiative is supported by various policies, including ecological water use and land rights, facilitating diverse desertification control methods [13][14]. Group 2: Community Involvement and Economic Development - Local farmers are actively participating in desertification control, with 6.18 million acres of land treated in Hetian County, involving 69 villages and 1,278 households [7][18]. - The rise of the "sand industry" is evident, with the cultivation of medicinal herbs and flowers like Cistanche and roses, significantly boosting local economies and providing employment opportunities [18][21]. - The integration of ecological and economic benefits is emphasized, with over 1,083.41 million acres of economic crops planted on desertified land, generating a total output value of 28.975 billion yuan [21]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Innovative practices such as "interval desertification control" and "photovoltaic water extraction" are being implemented to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of desertification control efforts [14][16]. - The use of modern agricultural techniques and machinery has improved operational efficiency and increased the survival rate of planted vegetation [13][14]. Group 4: Sustainable Development - The article underscores the importance of sustainable development, where ecological restoration and economic growth are interlinked, creating a cycle of environmental and economic benefits [18][21]. - The ongoing projects aim to establish a robust ecological barrier while simultaneously fostering local economic growth, demonstrating a model for sustainable development in arid regions [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts of the residents of Wenaletai Kushi Village in Xinjiang to combat desertification and transform their environment through a combination of ecological and economic strategies [1][8]. Group 1: Desertification Combat Efforts - The village is surrounded by the Taklamakan Desert, with over 20 square kilometers of land affected by desertification, prompting a "home defense battle" against encroaching sand [1][3]. - The first secretary of the Kashgar region's forestry bureau, Dai Zhigang, has been actively leading sand prevention and control efforts since 2023, guiding villagers in land leveling and large-scale afforestation [3][6]. - The initial sand control methods were adapted from surrounding areas, leading to a combined strategy of "biological sand control + engineering sand fixation" [6]. Group 2: Implementation and Results - The villagers have successfully created over 2,800 acres of artificial protective forest and established more than 500 acres of grass grids since March 2024 [6]. - The village has also begun experimenting with planting economic crops such as "desert ginseng" (Cistanche deserticola) in the newly established forests, with the first harvest occurring this year [8][10]. - A total of 920 acres have been planned for experimental forestry, including various economic crops like apricots, pistachios, and other plants, aiming to enhance economic benefits from the desert [10]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The sand industry in the village is projected to create stable employment for 29 individuals and temporary jobs for 640 people by the first half of 2025, generating an additional income of 544,000 yuan [10]. - The transformation from "sand encroachment" to "sand reclamation" and ultimately to "gold mining from sand" reflects the villagers' hard work and innovative spirit in improving their living conditions [10].

Group 1 - The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is focusing on greening key areas, particularly the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, through various projects such as photovoltaic sand control and biological sand control [1] - The "Locking Edge Project" of the Taklamakan Desert has entered a high-quality and normalized phase since its completion on November 28, 2024, with plans to complete 11.94 million mu of the "Three North" project this year, including 8.44 million mu for the desert edge [1] - Local communities are actively participating in afforestation efforts, with drought-resistant and economically valuable tree species being planted to enhance both ecological and economic benefits [1] Group 2 - The Xinjiang government has implemented nine measures to support the desert control efforts, focusing on policies, funding, and technology [2] - In the Aheler Township, the government covers infrastructure costs to encourage farmers to participate in sand control planting, with over 230 households cultivating more than 29,000 mu of land [2] - The Aksu region is utilizing small distributed photovoltaic systems to address water and electricity challenges for desert reclamation, achieving an 80% survival rate for planted trees over 63,000 mu [2] Group 3 - The Shaya County is exploring brine water desalination technology to further enhance sand control results, with a demonstration base showing good growth of crops like wheat and cabbage [3]