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Desert Bloom: China County Reverses 70 Years of Desertification
9 Jun
Summary
- Youyu county transformed from uninhabitable desert to green oasis.
- Twenty-one consecutive leaders prioritized ecological restoration efforts.
- Forest coverage soared from 0.3% to 57% with 130 million trees planted.
Seven decades ago, Youyu county in Shanxi province was considered uninhabitable, ravaged by sandstorms and winds. International experts recommended total population resettlement.
Today, Youyu is a verdant oasis, globally recognized for its desertification control efforts. In 2024, it received the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Award at the UN Headquarters. This transformation is the result of seventy years of political discipline and human endurance.
The effort began in 1949 with patriotic tree-planting campaigns. Initial attempts in the 1960s faced setbacks, with many saplings failing. However, by 1964, over 13,333 hectares were successfully planted, stabilizing dunes.
Subsequent leaders continued the work, introducing hardier species and expanding afforestation. Currently, over 113,000 hectares are covered with 130 million trees. This has raised the forest coverage from 0.3% in 1949 to 57%.
The county's green transformation has spurred new economic opportunities, including cultural tourism, health destinations, and development of local products. The sustained ecological focus has allowed the people of Youyu to thrive.
