China has become the largest contributor to global greening and an international model for desertification prevention and control since signing the UN Convention to Combat Desertification 30 years ago.
Desertification has become one of the most severe environmental challenges facing humanity, as it leads to more sand and dust storms, jeopardizes food security, displaces communities and fuels conflicts.
Delegates from around the world are convening for the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Dec. 2-13 to seek agreements and accelerate joint actions to support sustainable land management and climate resilience.
During the COP16, China has set up the "China Pavilion" to share its successful desertification control efforts and experiences, notably through initiatives such as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. The exhibition highlights China's enduring and painstaking efforts in combating desertification, drawing attention and admiration from the international community.
China has one of the world's largest affected areas, particularly in the northwestern, northern and northeastern regions that feature vast dryland and desert.
Through initiatives like the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, China has added 32 million hectares to afforestation areas, restored 85.3 million hectares of degraded grassland, and rehabilitated 33.3 million hectares of desertified land since 1978.
Noteworthy achievements include the creation of the world's largest man-made forest in Saihanba in northern China's Hebei Province, the completion of the world's largest ecological restoration project in Maowusu in northwestern China's Shaanxi Province, and the transformation of the Kubuqi Desert in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region into a thriving green landscape.
Over the past 30 years, China's desertification control efforts have garnered global acclaim, particularly through the recent intensification of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, which has significantly increased forest coverage in the project area from just over 5 percent in the 1970s to 13.84 percent now.
As of the end of 2023, China's forest coverage rate had exceeded 25 percent, with a forest stock surpassing 20 billion cubic meters and the largest artificial forest area globally, further consolidating China's position as the world's leader in greening efforts.
China leads global greening efforts, showcasing desertification control success at UN conference
China leads global greening efforts, showcasing desertification control success at UN conference
