by Adnan Arif
China Desertification Control Begins at Dawn
HOHHOT — In the heart of Inner Mongolia, the success of China’s desertification control is visible as the sun rises over the Kubuqi Desert. Zhang Xiwang, a 54-year-old “sand fighter,” walks through dew-speckled terrain, bending to inspect a stalk of sand wormwood.
“Ten years ago, the wind could bury your knees. Now the sand is damp in my fist and the willows we planted last year are pushing out new twigs,” he says, letting the grains slip through his fingers.
Behind him, solar panels shimmer in the morning light. Beneath them, purple alfalfa sways gently. This unlikely pairing—clean energy and desert flora—embodies a new chapter in China’s ecological recovery. Notably, it reflects how innovation and perseverance can reshape even the harshest landscapes.
International Forum Highlights Local Impact
Recently, the 10th Kubuqi International Desert Forum concluded in Hangjin Banner, Inner Mongolia. More than 260 delegates from countries including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Mongolia gathered to share strategies for reversing desertification. As a result, global attention turned toward China’s pioneering efforts.
Historically, northern China faced relentless sandstorms. Dunes crept forward year after year, threatening farmland and homes. In response, China launched the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP) in 1978—the world’s largest afforestation initiative.
According to Tang Fanglin, deputy head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the program has planted over 32 million hectares of forest. Consequently, forest coverage rose from just 5.05% in 1977 to 13.57% today. This milestone reflects decades of commitment to China’s desertification control and long-term ecological planning.
Desert Greening Boosts Local Economies
In Hangjin Banner, farmer Wang Jianguo crouches beneath solar panels, smiling as he surveys his thriving alfalfa crop. His land was once barren. However, thanks to a 2020 project that merges China’s desertification control with renewable energy, his family now earns over 60,000 yuan annually—three times their previous income.
The initiative allows locals to lease land, maintain solar infrastructure, and grow forage crops. Alfalfa harvested beneath the panels is sold to livestock cooperatives, creating a sustainable income stream. As a result, families like Wang’s have found stability in a once-hostile landscape.
Moreover, this model demonstrates how environmental rehabilitation can directly improve livelihoods. In turn, it encourages community participation and long-term stewardship.
Tourism Flourishes in Revived Desert
Meanwhile, tourism is thriving. The Yinkentala Desert scenic area, once a symbol of desolation, now draws thousands of visitors. Between June and mid-September, over 11,000 tourists from the Republic of Korea came to experience camel rides, dune driving, and traditional desert songs.
Thanks to these efforts, the desert that once threatened livelihoods now offers adventure, culture, and economic opportunity. In turn, local communities benefit from increased revenue and global visibility. Clearly, the transformation has extended beyond ecology into cultural exchange and economic diversification.
Kubuqi: A Global Model for Desertification Control
The Kubuqi Desert, China’s seventh-largest, has seen over 646,000 hectares restored to greenery. Biodiversity is returning. The climate is improving. In 2015, the Kubuqi afforestation community received the United Nations’ Champions of the Earth award—recognizing its leadership in China’s desertification control.
This transformation is not just environmental—it’s social and economic. It demonstrates how targeted policy, community engagement, and innovation can reshape entire ecosystems. Furthermore, it offers a replicable model for other nations facing similar challenges.
Importantly, the Kubuqi success story shows that desertification is not irreversible. With the right tools and vision, degraded land can become a source of prosperity.
A Future Rooted in Resilience
As Zhang watches the sun rise over a revitalized landscape, the grains of sand in his hand tell a new story. It’s one of perseverance, innovation, and hope. The desert is no longer a threat. Instead, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when nature and human ingenuity work together.
Ultimately, China’s desertification control is more than a policy—it’s a movement that turns adversity into opportunity. Moving forward, its lessons may inspire similar transformations across the globe.
