In a monumental environmental achievement, China has fully encircled the Taklimakan Desert, known as the “Sea of Death,” with a vast sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 kilometers. This significant milestone was announced by local authorities in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
On Thursday morning, the final stretch of the green belt was completed in Yutian County on the southern edge of the desert. Teams of workers planted various hardy plant species, including desert poplar, saxaul, and red willow, transforming the once barren sands into a thriving ecosystem. The Xinjiang regional forestry and grassland bureau confirmed that this initiative marks the culmination of years of dedicated afforestation efforts aimed at combating desertification.
The Taklimakan Desert, the largest in China, has long been a formidable barrier, affecting local climates and posing challenges to nearby communities. The creation of this green belt not only serves as a natural barrier against sandstorms and desert expansion but also promotes biodiversity and improves living conditions for residents in surrounding areas.
This ambitious project reflects China’s commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological preservation. By turning the edges of the “Sea of Death” into a corridor of life, China sets a noteworthy example of how large-scale environmental initiatives can yield tangible benefits for both nature and society.
The success of the green belt around the Taklimakan Desert holds promise for future environmental projects within Asia and serves as an inspiration for global efforts in combating desertification and promoting sustainable development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
