On Monday, the world observed the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a United Nations initiative highlighting the pressing issues of land degradation and water scarcity. This year’s theme, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future“, emphasizes the necessity of collaborative efforts to safeguard our planet’s vital land resources for generations to come.
In a significant move towards this global cause, China and Mongolia have been strengthening their partnership to combat desertification, a challenge that poses serious threats to biodiversity, ecological security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development worldwide.
September 2023 marked a milestone with the inauguration of the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. This center serves as a platform for joint initiatives, with China supporting Mongolia’s ambitious goal of planting one billion trees between 2021 and 2030.
Through joint seminars and demonstration activities, China has been sharing advanced technologies in sand control and land restoration. Since 2017, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has managed a 27-hectare project in Mongolia’s Bulgan Province, showcasing effective methods to stabilize mobile and semi-mobile sand dunes and enhance vegetation growth.
Looking ahead, China plans to establish monitoring stations in Mongolia’s desert regions to provide early warning services for sandstorms, a frequent and hazardous phenomenon affecting both nations. This initiative is expected to bolster regional preparedness and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
The collaboration signifies a shared commitment to reducing sandstorms and promoting ecological security on the Mongolian Plateau. As neighboring countries, their joint efforts not only benefit their own citizens but also contribute to global environmental sustainability.
The united stance of China and Mongolia exemplifies the spirit of this year’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, reinforcing the idea that collective action is crucial in addressing environmental challenges and securing a sustainable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
