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Fri, November 29, 2024
Thu, November 28, 2024

Great wall of Taklamakan: China surrounds its largest desert with giant green belt


Published on 2024-11-28 09:22:10 - Tim Hastings, N@N
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  • Just completed multi-decade project in Xinjiang region is intended to help prevent desertification and boost local economies.

The article from the South China Morning Post discusses China's ambitious project to surround the Taklamakan Desert, the country's largest desert, with a massive green belt. This initiative, part of a broader effort to combat desertification, involves planting trees and shrubs to create a barrier that will help prevent the expansion of the desert, reduce sandstorms, and improve the ecological environment. The project, which spans over 1,000 kilometers, not only aims at environmental protection but also at economic benefits by potentially increasing agricultural productivity and tourism. The Great Wall of Trees, as it's sometimes called, is a testament to China's commitment to ecological restoration, with significant investments in technology and manpower to ensure its success. However, the article also notes challenges such as the harsh desert conditions, the need for continuous maintenance, and the debate over the long-term effectiveness of such large-scale afforestation projects.

Read the Full scmp.com Article at [ https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3288549/great-wall-taklamakan-china-surrounds-its-largest-desert-giant-green-belt ]
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