In the vast landscapes of the Chinese mainland’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a transformative initiative is underway to turn deserts into oases. By integrating large-scale afforestation projects with renewable energy development, Inner Mongolia is intensifying its efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable growth.
Key projects leading this green revolution include the second phase of the comprehensive management project for the desert in Alshaa League, the construction of the “Photovoltaic Great Wall” in the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos City, and an ambitious plan to eliminate the Hunshandake Desert in Xilingol League. Additionally, new energy utilization projects are sprouting in Chifeng City, harnessing the power of the sun and wind to fuel ecological restoration.
These initiatives are part of the larger Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, a massive afforestation and ecological project that spans from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the west to Heilongjiang Province in the east. Covering 13 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, the program aims to rehabilitate over 4 million square kilometers of land across the Chinese mainland’s northwest, north, and northeast regions.
This year, Inner Mongolia has set ambitious goals: planting over 200,000 hectares of trees, cultivating more than 866,667 hectares of grassland, and treating over 1 million hectares of desertified and sandy land. The region also plans to add 13.2 million kilowatts of new energy installations and complete the comprehensive management of approximately 153,333 hectares of desertified land.
By coupling ecological restoration with renewable energy development, Inner Mongolia is not only reversing the tide of desertification but also paving the way for sustainable economic growth. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and offer valuable insights for other regions facing similar ecological challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
