In southern Xinjiang, a major ecological initiative is taking shape. A 130-million-yuan (over $18 million) project is leveling sand dunes across 27 square kilometers in Kunyu City using drip irrigation. Over 700 volunteers planted poplar trees on the desert's western edge. To sustain oases, the Tarim River began its 27th round of ecological water releases on March 22, with 107 billion cubic meters supplied since 2000. This year, Xinjiang plans to add nearly 700 square kilometers to the Three-North Shelterbelt Program.