Expansion of Sand Control Measures to be Undertaken by China's Inner Mongolia

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in North China is set to broaden its desertification and sand control efforts, according to the regional Forestry and Grassland Bureau.

By 2024, the region has targeted planting over 3 million mu (approximately 200,000 hectares) of trees. Additionally, the plan involves establishing over 13 million mu (around 866,667 hectares) of grassland and treating over 15 million mu (equivalent to 1 million hectares) of desertified and sandy land.

Inner Mongolia is committed to the robust execution of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, a large-scale afforestation initiative, this year. The region also plans to combine sand control efforts with the development of wind power and solar energy. Close monitoring of project progress will also be prioritized to ensure that the newly planted trees and grassland flourish.

In 2023, the region surpassed annual goals by planting over 5.56 million mu (around 370,667 hectares) of trees, cultivating over 17.43 million mu (approximately 1.162 million hectares) of grass, and treating in excess of 9.5 million mu (around 633,333 hectares) of desertified and sandy terrain.

Inner Mongolia, home to four major deserts and sandy areas each, has been grappling with desertification and sandy land for a long time. Nevertheless, in recent years, the region has redoubled its afforestation initiatives.

(Cover image via CFP)

Camille Lefevre