China's work in bringing land back to life received high praise at the 17th UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). 

"I'm very impressed by what China has achieved in terms of land degradation neutrality, in terms of combating desertification, and in terms of soil health," said Andrea Meza Murillo, UNCCD deputy executive secretary, at a side event on Monday.

She praised the bold leadership, long-term planning and long-term vision driving China's fight against the desert. A key lesson, she added, is that traditional knowledge combined with modern technology works – reflected in China's Great Green Wall, officially known as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program.

"I think a lot of the values are rooted in China's thousands-of-years-old civilization," she said. "They know that restoration is a play of long-term vision. I think that we all need to understand these, get inspired by these and try to learn." 

She also made special mention of Yin Yuzhen, a pioneering grassroots activist who has spent four decades planting trees across northern China's Maowusu Sandy Land.

Her connection with international supporters and what she has achieved are "amazing," Meza Murillo said.

Meza Murillo also recalled field observations from the Kubuqi Desert a few years ago.

"I was amazed by the combination of energy transition and combating desertification" in the area where "China is also generating food," she said.

As nations pursue prosperity, she said, development must stay within planetary boundaries. Healthy land, soil and water underpin human survival, and nature can regenerate if given the chance.

Many practical solutions to shared ecological challenges will emerge from the Global South, she said, adding that she strongly believes in South-South cooperation.

At the same event, China called for cooperation on desertification control across platforms covering China-Arab, China-Mongolia and China-Central Asia, and for aligning efforts with the needs of Belt and Road partners.

"We hope that a lot of these different centers can continue operating, becoming bigger, connecting countries, friends, connecting communities, and showing that we can achieve prosperity while protecting our land, soil, food and water," she said.