In a significant move to combat forest drought, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has embarked on a large-scale water diversion project. This year, authorities plan to redirect 510 million cubic meters of floodwater to replenish the desert poplar forests in the Tarim River Basin.
Last year, the region successfully diverted over 1.1 billion cubic meters of water, surpassing expectations by 197%. According to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, approximately 181,333 hectares of forest benefited from these efforts, resulting in a 4.3% increase in vegetation coverage year on year.
The desert poplar forests along the Tarim River, China's longest inland river, span more than 666,000 hectares. These forests serve as a crucial ecological barrier in southern Xinjiang, supporting biodiversity and stabilizing the local climate. Despite their high tolerance to drought, many desert poplar trees have perished since the 1950s due to the overexploitation of water resources along the river.
To address this decline, Xinjiang launched a restoration project in 2019 aimed at reviving the dying forests and enhancing their natural restoration capabilities through strategic flood diversion. This initiative not only supports the environment but also promotes sustainable water management practices in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
