China’s Green Great Wall Creates 3,000-Kilometer Living Barrier Against Desertification
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📰 The quick summary: China’s Three-North Shelterbelt Program has doubled forest coverage in northern regions from 5% to over 10% since 1978, creating a 3,000-kilometer living barrier against desertification while supporting food security and local economies.
📈 One key stat: Over 30 million hectares of trees have been planted across 4 million square kilometers, increasing forest coverage from 5% to more than 10% by mid-2020.
💬 One key quote: The Three-North Shelterbelt Program (TNSP) or the ‘Green Great Wall,’ this project represents one of the most ambitious ecological restoration efforts ever attempted.
1️⃣ The big picture: China launched the Three-North Shelterbelt Program in 1978 to combat desertification in its arid northern regions. This massive ecological restoration project, nicknamed the ‘Green Great Wall,’ spans 13 provinces and covers more than 4 million square kilometers. The initiative aims to increase forest coverage from just 5% in 1978 to 15% by 2050, creating a protective green barrier against advancing desert sands. By mid-2020, the program had already achieved over 10% forest coverage, marking significant progress in this multi-decade effort that combines environmental restoration with economic development.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This massive reforestation effort has already doubled forest cover in the target regions, creating a living shield around major deserts like the Taklamakan. The green barrier reduces soil erosion and mitigates destructive dust storms that previously threatened urban areas like Beijing. Beyond environmental benefits, forest and fruit-related industries have lifted millions of people out of poverty while enhancing food security through improved agricultural yields. The program demonstrates how ecological engineering can successfully align with socioeconomic progress and serve as a model for other nations facing similar environmental challenges.
3️⃣ What’s next: China plans to expand forest coverage to 14% and increase forest stock volumes to 260 million cubic meters by 2050. Future efforts will focus on improving tree survival rates through better species selection and adaptive planting methods. Scientists emphasize the need for rigorous independent evaluations and long-term monitoring to verify the program’s effectiveness and guide future implementation.
Read the full story here: The Brighter Side of News – The Green Great Wall: China’s 47 year effort at combating climate and land degradation
