Core Viewpoint - The project for the construction of high-yield, high-quality, water-saving perennial artificial grassland has officially started, aiming to address the degradation of grasslands in northern China and enhance the ecological and economic value of sheep grass [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The project is initiated in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, focusing on the restoration of degraded grasslands, which constitute 70% of the total grassland area in China [1]. - The project will scientifically plant perennial sheep grass on 4,779 acres of natural grassland, aiming to explore the synergy between ecological restoration and high-quality livestock development [1][2]. Group 2: Ecological and Economic Benefits - The selection of sheep grass is based on its ecological benefits, such as reducing surface sand transport by 78% and providing high-quality forage with crude protein content of 11%-15% [2]. - The project anticipates a 40% increase in vegetation coverage and a 60% improvement in windbreak and sand fixation efficiency within three years, contributing to the ecological stability of the Hohhot grassland [3]. Group 3: Financial Projections - By the fifth year, the profit per acre from the commodity grassland is expected to reach 175 yuan, while the seed production area could yield profits exceeding 600 yuan per acre, with total annual revenue from the project area projected to exceed 3 million yuan [3]. - The project is expected to increase operational revenue by 15%-20%, addressing the shortage of high-quality sheep grass seed sources in China [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful transformation of the Kairu County in Tongliao City from desertified land to a thriving ecological and economic region through the cultivation of sheep grass and other sustainable agricultural practices [3][4][10]. Group 1: Ecological Transformation - Kairu County has successfully harvested over 60,000 acres of sheep grass, which serves as a nutritious feed for livestock and contributes to ecological restoration efforts across the country [1][3]. - The area has seen a significant increase in sheep grass cultivation, reaching 200,000 acres with a dry grass yield of 120,000 tons, promoting stable growth in ecological tourism and livestock industries [3][4]. - The region has invested over 40 billion yuan in ecological construction, effectively managing 2.066 million acres of severely desertified land, marking a historic shift from "desert encroachment" to "green recovery" [4]. Group 2: Economic Development - The average benefit from sheep grass cultivation is approximately 1,500 yuan per acre, showcasing the economic viability of ecological restoration efforts [3]. - The "Saiwai Red" apple, developed over 20 years, has become a key economic crop, with a planting area of 320,000 acres and an annual output value of 600 million yuan [6][7]. - The introduction of various ecological industries, including medicinal plants and specialty fruit bases, has led to an annual output value of 800 million yuan from the medicinal plant sector alone [7]. Group 3: Sustainable Practices - The integration of renewable energy projects with desertification control, such as wind and solar power, is being implemented across 164,000 acres, contributing to new economic growth points in the region [9]. - The development of eco-tourism has attracted over 2 million visitors annually, generating an output value of 1.6 billion yuan, emphasizing the dual benefits of ecological and economic growth [10].

Core Viewpoint - The "Three North" project in Inner Mongolia represents a significant ecological transformation, turning desert areas into green zones and enhancing local livelihoods through innovative environmental management practices [1][13]. Group 1: Ecological Transformation - Inner Mongolia, covering 12% of China's land, plays a crucial role in combating desertification and ensuring ecological security for regions like Beijing and Tianjin [1]. - The "Three North" project has successfully transformed areas from "sand encroachment" to "green advancement," showcasing a commitment to ecological restoration [1][2]. - The implementation of a "sand control + photovoltaic" model has led to a 30% reduction in desertification severity over 2.2 million acres [2]. Group 2: Economic Benefits - The integration of ecological restoration with economic development has resulted in increased incomes for local herders, with average annual income rising by 15,000 yuan per person [3]. - The establishment of ecological economic forests has generated significant agricultural outputs, such as 100,000 pounds of jujube fruit annually from newly planted areas [2]. - The promotion of sustainable practices, such as the cultivation of medicinal herbs and eco-tourism, has led to a 40% increase in income for local households [3]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - The shift from manual labor to mechanized operations in desert management has improved efficiency, with new machines achieving up to 20 times the productivity of traditional methods [7][9]. - The use of smart irrigation systems and real-time monitoring has transformed water management in agricultural practices, enhancing crop yields and reducing water wastage [5][6]. - The development of a "sky-ground integrated" monitoring system allows for precise tracking of ecological restoration efforts, ensuring effective management of resources [9]. Group 4: Sustainable Practices in Pastoralism - The transition from overgrazing to balanced grazing practices has improved grassland health, with vegetation coverage increasing by 7% over five years [12]. - The adoption of modern ranching techniques, such as rotational grazing and reduced livestock numbers, has led to significant cost savings and improved pasture quality [10][11]. - The establishment of modern pastoral zones has enabled 30% of herders to increase their income through sustainable livestock management [12].