The 9th Kubuqi International Desert Forum opened Saturday in the city of Ordos in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with an aim to deepen international cooperation on desertification prevention and control driven by science and technology.

Themed "Technology-empowered desert control for the benefit of mankind," this edition of the forum has attracted approximately 300 participants from home and abroad, including foreign dignitaries, representatives from United Nations (UN) organizations, diplomats from countries severely affected by desertification, government officials, experts, scholars and entrepreneurs.

In-depth discussions will be held during sub-forums, delving into topics such as desert biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of resources, sandstorm prevention and tech-empowered desert control, and using knowledge and technology to promote land restoration.

The China-Arab International Research Center for Drought, Desertification and Land Degradation was officially launched during the opening ceremony of the forum.

In the face of a severe desertification challenge, the Chinese government has consistently emphasized technology-driven green development over the past few decades and explored effective models of desertification control, such as the one implemented in the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia.

As a result, the area affected by desertification has steadily decreased and the spread of desertification has been effectively reversed in the country. This has also led to the development of animal husbandry, eco-tourism, renewable energy, and various other ecological industries.

Since its inception in 2007, the Kubuqi International Desert Forum has evolved into a crucial platform for nations to exchange experiences in combating desertification and to drive progress in the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To date, the forum has seen over 3,000 participants from nearly 100 countries, regions and international organizations.

(Cover: A view of a photovoltaic power base in the east of Kubuqi Desert in Dalad Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, August 24, 2023. /Xinhua )