The Taklamakan Desert, China’s largest desert, is undergoing a significant ecological transformation through a multi-pronged approach. These efforts are focused on creating a sustainable environment, combating desertification, and fostering economic development in the region.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the establishment of a 2,761-kilometer green protective belt encircling the desert. With only 130 kilometers remaining to be completed this year, this vast green barrier is crucial in preventing sand encroachment and expanding the vegetated areas.
To support these large-scale greening initiatives, a dedicated botanical garden exceeding 300 acres in Xinjiang’s Bayingol Prefecture is engaged in vital research and cultivation. This facility focuses on identifying and growing plants specifically adapted to harsh desert conditions, which are then transplanted to stabilize the desert’s edges.
Sustainable desert management practices are also being implemented, integrating ecological preservation with economic benefits:
Economic Crops: The successful cultivation of drought-resistant economic crops, such as corn and rice, serves a dual purpose. These crops act as a natural barrier against shifting sands while providing significant economic returns for local farmers. A notable example is the 62,000 mu of rice cultivated within the desert, which has yielded a bountiful harvest.
Water Management: Advanced irrigation systems, including spray and drip irrigation, are being employed to efficiently utilize water resources from the Tianshan Mountains, sustaining both native plants and agricultural crops. Furthermore, the desert possesses a unique underground reservoir of brackish water, which is being leveraged to support the growth of salt-tolerant plant species.
Photovoltaic Desert Control: Innovative use of solar panels extends beyond clean energy generation. These installations are strategically placed to slow down sand movement, demonstrating a synergistic approach to environmental control and renewable energy. https://www.facebook.com/jeff.mah.5/posts/pfbid02rBGrCFMH9KRrQB6e71JDd6QsvHErzkcG4YS2MXQnuqURNzR8vgVkPj8WSss3uxC4l?__cft__[0]=AZVUl1ZYR-5Yy0IGtgFRIzAlROv-vdvu6mplwlGtnNALKMqa08ZJrJIUQGpUQRyXsABMNjeHZL0WjRysmOW2ByTyQmO7kStibHiMUazTRzzQwly_fo6z40T1PeNDWAM4U2c_qv41ziBFUKs_4cIhsvqziJVJx3XiYxYmkp6u7N_TFQ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
