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Shapotou’s Green Transformation: Pushing Back the Tengger Desert

At the edge of the vast Tengger Desert, where rolling dunes meet the life-giving waters of the Yellow River, lies Shapotou in northwest China’s Zhongwei City. This unique landscape was once a battleground where shifting sands threatened to engulf farmland and disrupt the lives of local communities.

For decades, the residents of Zhongwei faced the relentless advance of the desert. Farmland was at risk, and livelihoods hung in the balance. But through determination and innovation, they embarked on a mission to halt desertification and reclaim their land.

Employing innovative techniques such as the “straw checkerboard barrier” and advanced sand-fixing systems, the people of Zhongwei set out to stabilize the shifting sands. These methods not only anchored the dunes but also created conditions for vegetation to take root.

Over several decades, their efforts have borne remarkable fruit. Zhongwei has reclaimed 1.5 million mu (about 100,000 hectares) of desert land through afforestation, out of a total of 1.68 million mu. The vegetation coverage has soared from less than 1 percent to an impressive 42 percent. The relentless advance of the Tengger Desert has been pushed back by 25 kilometers.

This transformation is more than an environmental triumph; it’s a testament to human resilience and ingenuity. The once endangered farmland now thrives, and the local communities have secured their livelihoods while contributing to a greener planet.

The Green Miracle Series:

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024. This significant gathering brings together representatives from 197 parties to address pressing issues related to land degradation, desertification, and drought. This series explores China’s efforts to combat desertification and promote harmony between humans and nature.

Shapotou’s success story serves as an inspiration for other regions grappling with desertification. It illustrates how innovative solutions and community efforts can transform barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.

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