Summary
China has been expanding its forests for over 50 years to fight desertification, particularly through the Three-North Shelterbelt Program, also known as the "Green Great Wall". This project aims to stop soil erosion and restore land by planting trees across northern China. The initiative also involves modern methods like solar installations and supports the country's climate goals.
Key Facts
- The Three-North Shelterbelt Program started in 1978, aiming to combat desertification across 13 provinces in northern China.
- Since the program began, China has planted about 78 billion trees, increasing its forest coverage to nearly 25%.
- The Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia has been a focus area, with efforts to control sandstorms and restore land.
- China has added over 90 million acres of greening, including new forests the size of Fujian province.
- The Saihanba forest in northern Hebei was transformed from a barren area into a nature reserve, providing clean water and oxygen.
- China's "three north" regions cover 45% of the country and have seen significant forest and grassland expansion, reducing desertification.
- The government aims to complete the forest program by 2050, with ongoing support for afforestation.
