China’s battle against desertification: Innovative approaches and community engagement in Maqu County

In the remote Maqu County of Gansu Province, efforts to combat the severe desertification have seen locals turn to indigenous solutions like red willow grids, which prove more effective than traditional methods in the harsh, high-altitude conditions. These grids, coupled with strategic vegetation management, have helped stabilize the land and revitalize the ecosystem.

Maqu County, situated on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau at over 3,300 meters, is characterized by extreme weather conditions that challenge traditional sand control methods. However, through persistent trials and community cooperation, the area has seen a dramatic reduction in its desertified lands, which have decreased by 46 percent since 2012.

China’s strides in land restoration over the past decade underscore a national priority. From 2009 to 2019, the country achieved a net decrease of 50,000 square kilometers in desertified land, reversing a previous trend of rapid expansion. These efforts place China at the forefront of global initiatives to achieve zero net land degradation.

In Maqu, locals initially used wheat straw grids for sand stabilization, but soon discovered that red willow grids offered superior durability and environmental compatibility. Ma Chunlin, a local official, noted that adapting to the unique demands of the plateau’s climate was crucial. Over the years, the use of red willows has expanded significantly, supported by both governmental policies and community involvement.

The county’s success extends beyond land stabilization. In efforts to enhance ecological preservation, locals have explored various plant species suited to the area’s challenging conditions. While some experiments with non-native plants were unsuccessful, the combination of certain shrubs and grasses within red willow grids has proven effective.

Through these integrated approaches, Maqu has successfully restored over 24,793 hectares of land previously lost to desertification. The improved vegetation cover not only prevents further soil degradation but also contributes to the overall health of the local ecosystem, leading to a remarkable 98.4 percent vegetation coverage by the end of 2023.

Community engagement has also played a pivotal role in these achievements. Local policies encourage herders to manage grazing more sustainably, allowing pastures to recover and supporting a balance between livestock numbers and land capacity. These measures have resulted in healthier livestock and more robust grasslands.

Moreover, the economic benefits of these environmental initiatives are becoming increasingly apparent. The revival of the local ecosystem has boosted tourism significantly, with Gannan seeing a surge in visitors drawn by its enhanced natural beauty and sustainable pastoral practices.

Local officials, like Yang Zhiming, emphasize that ecological protection is a continuous effort, crucial for maintaining the balance of the fragile high-altitude ecosystem. The successes in Maqu reflect a broader commitment to sustainable development and ecological stewardship, demonstrating that even the most challenging environments can be restored through innovation and community resilience.