Mapping China’s quest to green its deserts

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Summary of the Gobi Desert Green Wall Initiative

China’s ambitious Gobi Desert Green Wall program, initiated in 1998, represents a significant response to accelerating desertification driven by pastoral nomadism, climate change, and drought. This project, encompassing 13 provinces in the northeast, north, and northwest, aims to slow the expansion of the Gobi Desert and mitigate the impact on over 400 million people.

The program’s initial scope was expanded to encompass a wider initiative known as the Great Green Wall, a multifaceted strategy including reforestation, afforestation, and sand control measures. The initiative began in 1978, initially focused on combating desertification in China’s northern regions. The Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of grasslands and shipping lanes, has experienced a rapid increase in human and livestock activity, intensifying soil erosion and contributing to the desertification process. The rate of desertification has reached 3.62 million square kilometers, representing over a quarter of China’s total land mass.

The program’s success is evidenced by the planting of over 3,000 kilometers of trees and shrubs, representing a substantial effort to stabilize the soil and minimize sand movement. The Saihan National Forest Park, heavily impacted by logging and overgrazing in the early 20th century, has been transformed into a lush forest, serving as a model for desert greening. Furthermore, efforts have been made to integrate solar energy generation with vegetation, creating a synergistic effect.

Despite the program’s ambitious goals, experts caution that the long-term viability of the greening efforts is uncertain. The survival rate of planted trees is currently low, particularly in areas like Ningia autonomous region, where monoculture farming practices have depleted water resources. The introduction of invasive species, such as the Asian Longhorn beetle, has also posed a threat to established vegetation. The program’s success hinges on carefully selecting drought-resistant tree species and utilizing a combination of techniques, including shading and wind breaks, to enhance plant survival.

The Great Green Wall represents a significant undertaking, but its effectiveness remains a subject of debate. While the initiative has demonstrably slowed desertification, the long-term sustainability of the greening strategies is a key concern, requiring careful consideration of water availability and the potential for ecological disruption.