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Where deserts once stood: China's transformed lands

CGTN

On the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 – held under the theme "Regenerate land. Open new possibilities" – China is showcasing remarkable achievements in reversing desertification. Decades ago, Chinese innovators pioneered the "grass checkerboard" technique, laying straw grids to stabilize sand and reduce wind erosion – a method now adopted globally. Beyond restoration, China is turning deserts into economic engines by promoting sea buckthorn cultivation. The fruit, thriving in arid zones, fuels a booming juice industry that generates jobs while restoring ecosystems. These efforts highlight China's dual success in ecological restoration and sustainable development, setting a model for global land regeneration.

Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. It is a part of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. /CFP
Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. It is a part of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. /CFP

Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. It is a part of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. /CFP

Forest belonging to the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program in Zhangye City in northwest China's Gansu Province. /CFP
Forest belonging to the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program in Zhangye City in northwest China's Gansu Province. /CFP

Forest belonging to the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program in Zhangye City in northwest China's Gansu Province. /CFP

Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. /CFP
Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. /CFP

Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. /CFP

Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. /CFP
Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. /CFP

Scenery of Saihanba Forest Farm in north China's Hebei Province. /CFP

The Linian Forest Farm in Donghai County is known as the
The Linian Forest Farm in Donghai County is known as the "Saihanba of Northern Jiangsu," in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, August 15, 2024. /CFP

The Linian Forest Farm in Donghai County is known as the "Saihanba of Northern Jiangsu," in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, August 15, 2024. /CFP

Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP
Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP

Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP

Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP
Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP

Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP

Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP
Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP

Xanthoceras sorbifolium flowers are in full bloom at the Hongshawo Desertification Comprehensive Prevention and Control Test Station of Shuihanyuan in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, May 11, 2025. /CFP

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