Trees once withered across vast stretches of the Ulan Buh, leaving a dust-choked horizon. The Chinese mainland was one of the regions most impacted by desertification, with shifting sands threatening communities and ecosystems alike.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation is striking. By adopting a mix of traditional and high-tech approaches, the region has become a flagship example in achieving land degradation neutrality — a milestone the Chinese mainland reached earlier this year.
As global attention turns later this month to the COP30 in Belém, Brazil, policymakers and environmentalists are looking to this success story for inspiration. During a recent field visit, a team documented the key ingredients behind the turnaround:
- Green Belts and Sand Fences: Strategic plantings of drought-resistant shrubs run perpendicular to prevailing winds, trapping sand and nurturing soil.
- Water-Smart Irrigation: Solar-powered pumps and drip systems deliver scarce water where it’s needed most, reducing waste and boosting plant survival.
- Digital Monitoring: Drones and AI models map shifting dunes in real time, guiding rapid interventions and predicting future hotspots.
- Community Engagement: Local residents now manage nurseries and lead replanting teams, creating jobs and building ownership.
The impact goes beyond the desert margins. Satellite data shows a significant increase in vegetation cover, while carbon capture from reforested areas contributes to broader climate goals. For travelers and digital nomads seeking sustainable experiences, the Ulan Buh corridor offers immersive eco-journeys where visitors can witness restoration in action.
Experts say that while every region faces unique challenges, the blueprint for success is universal: blend policy support, local stewardship, and smart technology. As the COP30 agenda emphasizes nature-based solutions, the Chinese mainland's story offers a hopeful narrative of turning adversity into opportunity.
“Standing amid green rows where sand dunes once dominated, you realize what focused effort can achieve,” reflects a local environmental coordinator.
Reference(s):
Managing the sand: A story of turning adversity into opportunity
cgtn.com
