China advances in the fight against desertification with technology and global cooperation

Machines, cutting-edge technology and community efforts are driving the recovery of arid land in Horqin Sandy Land in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Equipment such as a sand fixing machine, developed by M-Grass Ecological Environment, has simplified the installation of sand barriers, increasing efficiency and reducing process costs. Every day, around 30,000 meters of barriers are installed, according to Yu Dongjiang, project manager.

In the Kubuqi Desert, drones are used to plant seeds, while nutrient packages ensure the survival of seedlings in hostile environments. In Gansu, solar energy projects are integrated with environmental recovery, creating a synergy that benefits both ecosystems and the local economy, as highlighted by Qin Zhaoping, who works on irrigation systems and growing plants in areas controlled by photovoltaic panels.

These initiatives are part of a larger national effort, led by programs such as Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Programwhich since 1978 has increased the reforestation area in China by 32 million hectares. So far, 53% of the country’s recoverable desertified lands have been restored, reducing around 4.3 million hectares of degraded areas. Furthermore, Chinese technologies and knowledge are being shared with other countries, in projects such as the Great Green Wall of Africa and desertification control centers with Arab countries and Mongolia.

During COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, experts praised China’s role as a global leader in environmental restoration. Valerie Hickey, global environment director at the World Bank, highlighted the impact of Chinese advances: “China has shown how to transform desertified areas into prosperous regions, and we are proud to collaborate to bring these lessons to other countries.” The combination of technology, research and global partnerships solidifies China’s role in combating desertification.