In a bid to counter desertification and soil erosion in its northern region, China has intensified its efforts in green development, prioritizing it over a sole focus on GDP growth.
Banyannur, Inner Mongolia. /CGTN
Wuliangsu Lake. /CGTN
The biggest freshwater lake in the Yellow River basin – the Wuliangsu Lake – is a crucial environmental shield. But it once was treated badly.
"We lived here for generations, but when the ecosystem deteriorated, everyone wanted to flee," said Cao Tieshan, a fisherman on Wuliangsu Lake.
Cao Tieshan, a fisherman on Wuliangsu Lake. /CGTN
Two decades ago, the lake's ecosystem was not only on the edge of collapse, it was collapsing. Experts warned that without a tightened grip on ecological restoration, the lake could vanish in just a few years.
In the 1990s, the lake faced a pollution problem caused by the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial wastewater.
The pollution was so severe that the water was marked as Class 5, the lowest water quality grade in China, which meant it was not suitable for any use.
"The most challenging task in restoring the lake's ecosystem was controlling nonpoint source pollution, such as excess fertilizers. Joint efforts were made across the region to address the underlying cause," Xie Zhengfeng, the section chief in the office of ecological protection at Wuliangsu Lake, told CGTN.
Besides restoring the lake, the region has made extensive efforts to combat desertification, adding over 1 million hectares of afforestation in the past decade. "My grandchildren can't believe our house was once submerged by sand. Whereas now, look at the forest around us," said Dang Jianguo from Hongqi Village.
Dang Jianguo (left) from Hongqi Village in Banyannur. /CGTN
"Considering the geological significance of Banyannur, combating land degradation and desertification must be accompanied by a scientific irrigation plan. Next, we will optimize the existing network and boost finite capacity planning," Zhang Guangming, the director of water conservancy center of Hetao Irrigation Area, told CGTN at the end of the visit to Banyannur.
Banyannur, Inner Mongolia. /CGTN
Banyannur, Inner Mongolia. /CGTN
China has extensively curbed desertification by enacting relevant laws, exploring new techniques and launching greening projects. The stories in Banyannur show how people are no longer forced into a corner by environmental issues, but have managed to contain them.
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