Nestled where the raw power of the Tengger Desert meets the life-giving waters of the Yellow River, Shapotou in Zhongwei City has emerged as a beacon of environmental resilience. Once facing the imminent threat of shifting sands engulfing farmland and disrupting local livelihoods, Shapotou's story is one of triumph and innovation.
Through years of tireless effort, the local communities implemented groundbreaking techniques such as the \"straw checkerboard barrier\" and advanced sand-fixing systems. These innovative methods effectively halted the desert's advance, transforming the landscape and safeguarding the region's agricultural heritage.
Zhongwei has made remarkable strides in reclaiming land, restoring approximately 1.5 million mu (about 100,000 hectares) out of its total 1.68 million mu of desert. This ambitious afforestation project has increased vegetation coverage from less than 1 percent to an impressive 42 percent, pushing back the Tengger Desert by 25 kilometers and creating a sustainable environment for future generations.
The Green Miracle series continues to spotlight such inspiring endeavors as the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) convenes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024. This significant event brings together representatives from 197 parties to address critical issues related to land degradation, desertification, and drought, highlighting global efforts to promote harmony between humans and nature.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
