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China's Green Great Wall: A Decades-Long Battle Against Desert.
13 Jul
Summary
- Straw checkerboards stabilize sand dunes, aiding plant root establishment.
- Desertified land in northern China has reduced by over 1,000 sq km annually.
- Forest cover in the program area rose from 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2022.
For over five decades, China has waged a continuous battle against desertification across its northern regions. A key technique involves creating "straw checkerboards" by inserting straw into the sand, forming a grid to stabilize dunes and facilitate planting.
This initiative, known as the Three-North Protective Forest Program, launched in 1978, has transformed nearly half of China. State media reports indicate a reduction of over 1,000 square kilometers (400 square miles) of desertified land annually since 2000.
Forest cover within the program's expanse has grown from approximately 5% in 1978 to 14% by 2022. Scientists highlight that reversing desertification is achievable through long-term development strategies and political commitment.
Efforts such as those in Kubuqi Desert, west of Beijing, showcase the dedication of workers like Yin Yuzhen, who has spent decades stabilizing sand. These restored ecosystems require ongoing management and monitoring for long-term success.
Linking restoration efforts to local livelihoods is crucial for sustained success, ensuring communities benefit economically from ecological protection. The challenge remains in maintaining conservation efforts if human intervention and investment decrease.
