The Times Australia
News From Asia

.
The Times Real Estate

.

China Focus: Technology sows seeds of hope in combating desertification

HOHHOT, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 23 December 2024 - China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration recently announced 40 forestry industry standards, among which the "Technical Specifications for Desertified Grassland Control" compiled by M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co.

, Ltd. was included, providing technical support for the ongoing Three-North Shelterbelt Program.


This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows a chamber for accelerated seed breeding at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China
This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows a chamber for accelerated seed breeding at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

In the sparse, sandy grasslands of Jarud Banner in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, machinery is filling wind-eroded pits and laying sand barriers while workers are busy supporting the comprehensive management of Horqin Sandy Land.

"Our independently developed sand-fixing machine processes raw materials like reeds and straw into grass mats for sand barrier installation," said Yu Dongjiang from M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd.

The sand-fixing machine is simple in structure, easy to operate, and highly adaptable to various terrains. It improves raw material utilization efficiency, enabling the installation of nearly 30,000 meters of sand barriers daily, according to Yu, who is also the project manager for the comprehensive management of the northern central Horqin Sandy Land.

Previously, the manual weaving of grass mats required significant labor and time.

Yu's project shows China's wider push to advance ecological restoration. In the arid landscapes of northern China, cutting-edge technology is transforming the fight against desertification into a story of hope and renewal.

From satellite monitoring systems to innovative tree-planting tools, the integration of advanced equipment has elevated traditional reforestation efforts.

In Inner Mongolia's Kubuqi Desert, for example, drones have been employed to plant seeds across vast stretches of barren land, significantly improving efficiency and survival rates. These seeds, combined with specially developed nutrient packs, ensure saplings thrive in challenging environments.

While in northwest China's Gansu Province, solar energy projects are being combined with afforestation programs at the southern edge of the Tengger Desert, creating a synergy that not only restores ecosystems but also boosts local economic development.

Local villagers are also finding employment in these initiatives, blending green technology with grassroots participation.

"I never would have imagined that as a farmer, I could find work in the sand dunes," said Qin Zhaoping, a resident of Hengliang Township in Gansu's Gulang County. His job involves adjusting the sprinkler irrigation systems beneath photovoltaic panels and tending to the thriving sand plants.

For Qin, photovoltaic-based desert control is a meaningful effort that benefits future generations. "It generates electricity, combats desertification, and provides me with an income from working here," he said.

According to official data, 53 percent of China's treatable desertified land has been restored, leading to a net reduction of approximately 4.33 million hectares of degraded land.

One of the country's landmark ecological projects is the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. Since 1978, China has expanded its afforestation area by 32 million hectares under the program.

Meanwhile, China's desertification control technologies and equipment are making their way onto the global stage, sharing ecological restoration expertise with other countries and regions.

To join the efforts of the Global South, China has launched desertification control centers with Arab states and Mongolia, created demonstration sites in Central Asia and Africa, and provided satellite technology and big data support for Africa's Great Green Wall initiative.

In December, Yu's company signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipal government of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia to enhance the country's ecological environment and promote practical cooperation.

The collaboration includes conducting ecological restoration in desert areas surrounding the city, and jointly developing, maintaining, and cultivating plant resources.

"Through smart machinery, innovative research on grass species, big data analysis, and seed packages, the company has developed a scientific and efficient path for ecological restoration," said Yu.

"The integrated use of these technologies not only improves the success rate of ecological restoration but also significantly reduces the cost of restoration," Yu added.

This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows the smart warehouse at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China
This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows the smart warehouse at M-Grass Ecological Environment (Group) Co., Ltd. in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

China's global cooperation in combating desertification also won praise from experts and officials during the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in December.

"We're incredibly proud to be a partner with China. China has been a pioneer in showing how to create prosperous areas in areas that were once desertified and degraded. And we are proud to partner with you (China) to bring those lessons to other countries," said Valerie Hickey, global director for the environment at the World Bank, at the conference.





Hashtag: #TheInformationOfficeofInnerMongoliaAutonomousRegionalCommittee

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Times Features

Fast, Fun, And Fantastic Looking Gel Polish For Your Nails!

Today's women spend a lot of time and money on their beauty and fashion regime because they love looking their very best! Looking good makes you feel good, and let's face it, it...

Energy-Efficient Roof Restoration Trends to Watch in Sydney

As climate consciousness rises and energy costs soar, energy-efficient roof restoration has become a significant focus in Sydney. Whether you're renovating an old roof or enhan...

Brisbane Water Bill Savings: Practical Tips to Reduce Costs

Brisbane residents have been feeling the pinch as water costs continue to climb. With increasing prices, it's no wonder many households are searching for ways to ease the burde...

Exploring Hybrid Heating Systems for Modern Homes

Consequently, energy efficiency as well as sustainability are two major considerations prevalent in the current market for homeowners and businesses alike. Hence, integrated heat...

Are Dental Implants Right for You? Here’s What to Think About

Dental implants are now among the top solutions for those seeking to replace and improve their teeth. But are dental implants suitable for you? Here you will find out more about ...

Sunglasses don’t just look good – they’re good for you too. Here’s how to choose the right pair

Australians are exposed to some of the highest levels[1] of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. While we tend to focus on avoiding UV damage to our skin, it’s impor...

Times Magazine

Google Ads Made Easy: Streamlining Your Online Advertising

Conquering the online marketplace in Melbourne can feel like climbing the Eureka Tower blindfolded. Yet the expanse of the Mornington Peninsula offers the perfect sanctuary for those of you who worry like me do. When used properly, Google Ads can a...

How To Customise Your Website with HubSpot CMS: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the fast-paced digital landscape, owning a mere business website is not just enough. Your website is the first impression for your potential customer. It must be user friendly and well-designed, the content on the website needs to be appealing, ...

Holding tanks: what to know before you install

Home and business owners are always mixing up the terms holding tank and septic tank. And, although both provide sanitation solutions, there are numerous differences between the two systems. Yes, they both collect wastewater - no one’s arguing w...

Holiday Home Hacks: 5 Tips for Beautifying Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Aussie summers are all about time spent outdoors, especially if you're lucky enough to have a holiday home in the family. With the right design choices and professional assistance for the bigger tasks, you can turn your outdoor living space into an...

Maximising Space: How to Use Packing Cubes for Stress-Free Travel

Do you wish you could pack more efficiently and maximise your limited suitcase space? Packing cubes are a game-changer to organising and maximising space in your luggage. These lightweight, rectangular fabric containers allow you to compartmentali...

Safety First: Concrete Cutting Safety Measure Everyone Must Follow

When handling concrete cutting services, you must know how to handle different tools and maintain the safety of everyone involved. You should know the safety measures to apply when using a saw or a core driller. Remember that concrete cutting con...

LayBy Shopping