Ningxia's green evolution: A model for combating desertification

Nestled in the heart of China, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has long grappled with the encroaching threat of desertification. However, over the past few decades, this arid region has undergone a remarkable transformation, turning from a land of shifting sands into a flourishing oasis.

The region's success in combating desertification has drawn international attention, with Ningxia sharing its experiences at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations (UN) Convention to Combat Desertification.

A history of innovation

Ningxia's journey in combating desertification began in the 1950s with the invention of the "checkerboard" method, a technique that involves using branches to create a grid pattern on shifting sands to stabilize them. This simple yet effective method has been widely adopted across China and beyond.

Over the years, Ningxia has continued to innovate, developing a range of new techniques to combat desertification. They include machine-aided checkerboard patterns, which are more efficient and durable than traditional methods. Additionally, precision planting tools allow for the planting of trees in deep layers of sand in just 10 seconds, increasing survival rates by 25 percentage points. Finally, artificial biological soil crusts, made from cultured algae, help stabilize the soil and promote plant growth.

Global impact

Ningxia's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The World Bank's Global Director for Environment, Valerie Hickey, praised Ningxia's model as a roadmap for eliminating poverty and reaching prosperity by creating livable environments, improving land and restoring landscapes.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has also recognized Ningxia's contributions, highlighting its "Green Great Wall" as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, particularly in Africa.

Ningxia's success story offers a blueprint for other regions struggling with desertification. By combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, the region has demonstrated that it is possible to reclaim desert land and create sustainable ecosystems.