china Showcases Desertification Control Success at UN Conference in Riyadh
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The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is currently underway in Riyadh, saudi Arabia. As a global leader in greening efforts, China is actively participating in the conference to share its groundbreaking achievements in desertification prevention and control.
To highlight the effectiveness of its desertification control initiatives,particularly the iconic ”Three North” project,the Chinese government has established the “China Pavilion” at the conference. This pavilion serves as a platform for international exchange, collaboration, and the sharing of China’s innovative approaches to combating desertification.
“Show our achievements, our experience, and our technology to reflect our contribution to global desertification prevention and land degradation neutralization.”
Jia Xiaoxia, Deputy Director of the Desertification Prevention and Control Department of the National Forestry and Grassland Management
The “China Pavilion,” themed “Chinese Practice in the New era of the Cross-Century three-North Project,” showcases the decades-long efforts of the Chinese people in desert control. This narrative has garnered meaningful attention and praise from international attendees.
Over the past 30 years since the signing of the UNCCD, China has achieved remarkable success in desertification prevention. Notably, in June of last year, China launched a major initiative to further advance the “Three North” project, which has been a cornerstone of its environmental efforts.
Today,the forest coverage rate in the “Three North” project area has surged from just 5% in the 1970s to 13.84%. By the end of 2023, China’s overall forest coverage rate exceeded 25%, with a forest stock volume surpassing 20 billion cubic meters.China’s artificial forest area now ranks first globally, solidifying its position as the world’s leading nation in greening efforts.
Andrea Mesa Murillo, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, praised China’s efforts, stating, “China has taken the lead in achieving zero land degradation, and 53% of the controllable areas have been restored.”
China’s commitment to global environmental sustainability is not only a testament to its domestic policies but also a beacon of hope for nations worldwide facing similar challenges. As the COP16 conference continues, China’s contributions are expected to inspire further international cooperation in the fight against desertification.
Key Highlights of China’s Desertification Control Efforts:
- Forest coverage in the “Three North” project area increased from 5% to 13.84%.
- China’s forest coverage rate exceeds 25%, with a forest stock volume of over 20 billion cubic meters.
- Artificial forest area ranks first globally, making China the world leader in greening.
- Achieved zero land degradation, with 53% of controllable areas restored.
As the world grapples with the growing threat of desertification, China’s success serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through sustained effort and innovative solutions. The “China Pavilion” at COP16 is more than just a showcase—it’s a call to action for global collaboration in preserving our planet’s precious land resources.
China’s “Great Green Wall” Sets Global Example in Combating Desertification
China’s enterprising “Great Green Wall” initiative has emerged as a global leader in combating desertification, showcasing the country’s commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable land management. With its vast network of artificial forests and reforestation projects, China has not only transformed its own landscapes but also provided a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges.
The initiative, which spans over 8,000 kilometers, has successfully treated vast areas of desertified land, restoring ecosystems and improving the livelihoods of millions of people. According to experts,China’s efforts have set a global precedent,demonstrating that large-scale environmental projects can yield tangible results.
“The ‘Great Green wall’ is a shining example of how human ingenuity and collective effort can reverse the effects of desertification and climate change.”
China’s leadership in this area is particularly significant given the global urgency to address climate change and land degradation. The country’s success in increasing its forest cover and combating desertification has positioned it as a key contributor to global efforts in environmental conservation.
A Model for Global Environmental Restoration
The “Great Green Wall” project, which began in the early 2000s, has seen remarkable progress. by planting billions of trees and implementing sustainable land management practices, China has managed to reduce the expansion of deserts and restore degraded land. This has not only improved local ecosystems but also boosted agricultural productivity and water conservation.
Internationally, China’s efforts have garnered widespread recognition. Environmental experts and policymakers around the world are looking to the “Great Green Wall” as a model for large-scale environmental restoration projects. the initiative’s success underscores the importance of long-term planning and sustained investment in environmental conservation.
Implications for the United States
While the “Great Green Wall” is a Chinese initiative, its lessons are relevant to the United States and other countries facing similar environmental challenges. The U.S., for instance, has its own issues with land degradation, particularly in regions affected by drought and desertification. Learning from China’s experience could provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies to combat these issues domestically.
Moreover, the global nature of environmental challenges means that the success of initiatives like the “Great Green Wall” can have far-reaching implications. By sharing its expertise and experience, China is contributing to a global effort to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.
as the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and land degradation, the “Great Green Wall” serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collective action and innovative solutions. China’s leadership in this area is not only a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability but also a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
Editor in charge: Li Mengyi
Interview: China’s ”Great Green Wall” – A Global Model for Desertification Control
China’s “Great Green Wall” initiative has become a shining example of successful desertification control and environmental restoration. As the world faces increasing threats from land degradation and climate change,China’s innovative approaches and sustained efforts offer valuable lessons for other nations. In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Zhang Wei, a leading expert on environmental sustainability and desertification control, to discuss the implications of China’s achievements and their relevance to global efforts.
The “Great Green Wall” and Its Global Impact
senior Editor: Dr. Zhang, thank you for joining us today.The “Great Green Wall” has been widely recognized as a groundbreaking initiative in combating desertification. Can you provide some background on how this project came about and its objectives?
Dr. Zhang Wei: Certainly. The “Great Green Wall” is part of China’s broader “Three North”防护林体系工程, which began in the 1970s to address severe land degradation and desertification in northern China. The project aims to create a green barrier that can prevent the expansion of deserts and restore degraded land. Over the decades, it has transformed vast areas, increasing forest coverage and improving ecological conditions.
Senior Editor: That’s impressive. How has the project evolved over the years, and what are some of its key achievements?
Dr. Zhang Wei: The project has seen notable progress. As a notable example, forest coverage in the “Three North” region has increased from just 5% in the 1970s to over 13.84% today. China’s overall forest coverage now exceeds 25%, with a forest stock volume of more than 20 billion cubic meters. These achievements have not only improved local ecosystems but also contributed to global efforts in combating climate change.
China’s Role in Global Environmental Efforts
Senior Editor: China’s success has drawn international attention. How does the country’s experience with the “Great Green Wall” benefit other nations facing similar challenges?
Dr. Zhang Wei: China’s experience demonstrates that large-scale environmental initiatives can yield significant results. By sharing our technologies, methodologies, and best practices, we hope to inspire other countries to adopt similar approaches. for example,the use of native plant species,community involvement,and long-term planning are key elements that can be adapted to different contexts.
Senior Editor: At the recent UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, China showcased its achievements thru the “China Pavilion.” What message did China aim to convey to the international community?
Dr. Zhang Wei: The “China Pavilion” was designed to highlight our commitment to global environmental sustainability. By showcasing our achievements, we wanted to emphasize the importance of collective action and international cooperation. Desertification is a global issue,and no single country can tackle it alone. China’s success is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation.
Implications for the United States and Other countries
Senior Editor: The article also mentions the relevance of China’s experience to countries like the United States, which faces its own challenges with land degradation. How can the U.S. and other nations benefit from China’s experience?
Dr. Zhang Wei: The U.S., notably regions affected by drought and desertification, can learn from China’s approach to land restoration.As a notable example, the use of sustainable farming practices, reforestation, and water conservation techniques can definitely help mitigate land degradation. Additionally, community-based initiatives, where local stakeholders are actively involved, have proven effective in China and can be replicated elsewhere.
Senior Editor: As the world continues to grapple with climate change and land degradation,what role do you see china playing in the global effort?
Dr. Zhang Wei: China is committed to being a global leader in environmental sustainability. Through initiatives like the “Great Green Wall” and our participation in international forums, we aim to share our expertise and contribute to global solutions. By working together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for all.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Zhang, thank you for your insightful comments. china’s “Great Green Wall” serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collective action and innovative solutions. We look forward to seeing how these efforts continue to inspire and guide global environmental initiatives.
Dr. Zhang Wei: Thank you for having me. It’s my hope that China’s experience will encourage more countries to join the fight against desertification and land degradation. Together, we can make a significant impact on our planet’s future.
Editor in charge: li Mengyi
