From Barren Dunes to Medicinal Oasis: A Decade of Transformation
On the windswept fringes of the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang's Yutian County, Jia Cunpeng, Secretary of the Forestry and Grassland Bureau, walks across undulating sand dunes with the familiarity of someone greeting old friends. "Sand is a good thing too. Don't hate it—learn to love it," he says, his words carried by the dry desert breeze.
For over 12 years, Jia has spearheaded an innovative ecological campaign that's transforming perceptions of desertification. Through systematic sand leveling and experimental cultivation of drought-resistant medicinal herbs like cistanche and licorice root, his team is proving that arid landscapes can yield both environmental and economic value.
Balancing Ecology and Livelihoods
The project has stabilized over 3,000 hectares of mobile dunes while creating new income streams for local residents. "The desert isn't our enemy—it's an untapped partner," Jia explains, standing beside rows of thriving saxaul trees that anchor the shifting sands. Pharmaceutical companies now source materials from what was once considered barren land, with herb exports generating $2.3 million annually.
This initiative aligns with broader ecological strategies in China's northwest, where 57% of desertified land has seen improvement through similar sustainable practices since 2016. For global observers, it offers insights into combating land degradation while supporting rural economies—a model gaining attention from Central Asian neighbors facing similar challenges.
