The Unique Desert Governance Model of the Kubuqi Desert Gains International Recognition as a Global Benchmark for Environmental Management
As the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) draws to a close, delegates and experts from around the world have taken note of China’s Kubuqi Desert success story. This once barren expanse in northern China has evolved into a vivid demonstration of how government policies, private sector involvement, and local community engagement can work together to restore degraded landscapes and revive local economies.
A Model Born from the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program
The Kubuqi transformation aligns closely with the objectives of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program—one of the world’s largest ecological undertakings to combat desertification, initiated in 1978. Known as the “Great Green Wall” of northern China, this long-term effort has significantly curbed sandstorms, preserved soil and water, and supported the livelihoods of local communities. By integrating sustainable economic activities with environmental rehabilitation, the program serves as both a powerful testimony to China’s commitment to combating desertification and a template that can be adapted elsewhere.
From Barren Sands to Sustainable Prosperity
For decades, the Kubuqi Desert symbolized environmental decline and hardship. Limited infrastructure, scarce water supplies, and persistent sandstorms made daily life challenging, hindering growth and prosperity. Over the last 35 years, however, approximately one-third of the area has been transformed into lush, green cover, increasing vegetation from a mere 3% to more than half of the desert. This revival was made possible by a partnership approach:
Policy and Funding Support: Government policies and financial incentives laid the groundwork for sustainable land management.
Private Sector Innovation: Companies like the Elion Group introduced advanced technologies, such as rapid tree-planting methods, sand-binding vegetation, and efficient irrigation systems, as well as data-driven tools like drones and big data analytics.
Community Engagement: Local farmers and herders were trained to adopt environmentally friendly practices, enabling them to benefit economically from the greening deserts—whether through diversified agriculture, renewable energy opportunities, or eco-tourism.
Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization
New transportation networks have emerged, connecting previously isolated areas with markets, employment, and modern services. Today, the Kubuqi region supports thriving businesses, improved livelihoods, and a stable environment that attracts visitors and investors. It showcases how environmental recovery can spur economic and social development, aligning with the UNCCD’s mission to enhance resilience and improve quality of life in desert-prone regions.
A Vision for the Future
China’s plan to restore more than 70% of the Kubuqi Desert by 2030 reflects a bold commitment to long-term sustainability. Observers at the UNCCD meeting have recognized Kubuqi as a global benchmark—an example of what can be achieved through perseverance, innovation, and inclusive cooperation. For countries grappling with desertification, Kubuqi offers valuable insights into policy frameworks, restoration techniques, and collaborative models that can be scaled and adapted to diverse contexts around the globe.
