China’s Green Great Wall Expands: Nation Reports Major Progress in Desertification Control

On the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, China has announced significant achievements in reversing land degradation, positioning itself as a global leader in ecological restoration. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) released updated figures showcasing the country’s long-term commitment to transforming arid landscapes into productive ecosystems.  

Key milestones in desertification control  

- Since 2012, China has converted approximately 24.3 million hectares (365 million mu) of desertified land into green cover  
- An additional 1.86 million hectares (27.94 million mu) have been placed under protective measures to prevent further degradation  
- From 2000 to 2019, wind-eroded soil in major deserts and sandy regions declined by about 40 percent  
- China is the first country to achieve zero net growth in land degradation, a benchmark under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)  

Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP) achievements  

- Launched in 1978, TSFP is the world’s largest afforestation initiative, covering northwestern, northern, and northeastern China  
- To date, 32 million hectares (480 million mu) of forests have been planted and preserved under the program  
- Grassland restoration has reached 85 million hectares (1.28 billion mu), contributing to improved biodiversity and soil stability  
- Forest coverage in TSFP regions has increased from 5.05 percent in 1977 to 13.84 percent today  
- Soil erosion has been effectively controlled in 61 percent of affected areas, and 30 million hectares (450 million mu) of farmland have been shielded from desert encroachment  

International cooperation and future outlook  

- China has established a desertification control knowledge center in partnership with the UNCCD Secretariat  
- Collaborative efforts are underway with countries such as Mongolia and Russia to share best practices and technical expertise  
- Despite progress, 22.2 million hectares of reclaimable desertified land remain untreated, primarily in the Three-North region  
- Authorities plan to incentivize public and private participation, including farmers and herders, to scale up restoration efforts  

Sources: Xinhua, China Daily, The People’s Government of Henan Province.