Sandy deserts once overwhelmed northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, particularly in Yanchi County where 80 percent of the landscape was desertified. The region faced severe sandstorms and economic hardship decades ago.
Today, the Haba Lake National Nature Reserve stands as a vibrant testament to ecological restoration. What was once barren land is now a lush, green paradise teeming with wildlife. This transformation was driven by a series of determined efforts by local authorities, including halting the traditional Tan sheep breeding industry to allow vegetation to recover.
Afforestation and land greening initiatives played crucial roles in combating desertification. Tree planting projects and sustainable land management practices have restored the ecosystem, turning Haba Lake into a thriving wildlife refuge.
This remarkable achievement is part of China's broader commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighted at international gatherings like the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
