The 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh arrives at a pivotal moment as desertification continues to imperil ecosystems, economies, and the lives of over two billion people globally.
Land degradation costs the world economy approximately $400 billion each year in lost productivity, according to the United Nations. Climate change exacerbates this issue, with rising temperatures, extended droughts, and unpredictable rainfall patterns accelerating the loss of arable land. Amid this global crisis, China’s remarkable success in combating desertification emerges as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations.
Historically one of the countries most affected by desertification, China has managed to reverse the trend through innovative, science-driven policies and grassroots initiatives. Central to this transformation is the \"Three-North Shelterbelt Project\" in northeast China, an ambitious afforestation campaign often referred to as the \"Green Great Wall.\"
Initiated in 1978, the project spans over 4.9 million square kilometers across northern, northwestern, and northeastern China—regions once plagued by relentless sandstorms and expanding deserts. Over the decades, this initiative has rehabilitated more than 6.6 million hectares of degraded land, stabilized the edges of major deserts, and significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of sandstorms in northern China.
Since its inception, the project has seen the planting of more than 66 billion trees. Forest coverage in the Three-North regions has increased from just 5 percent in 1977 to nearly 13 percent today, while vegetation coverage in key desertified areas has reached an impressive 55 percent. Northern China, once vulnerable to annual devastating sandstorms, now enjoys a more stable climate and fewer environmental disasters, showcasing the profound impact of sustained environmental efforts.
China’s success story offers a valuable roadmap for sustainability, illustrating how large-scale environmental projects, supported by scientific research and community involvement, can effectively combat the challenges of desertification and climate change. As the world grapples with similar issues, China's Green Great Wall stands as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and innovative thinking.
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China's desertification victory offers a roadmap for sustainability
cgtn.com
