Ningxia’s Desert Greening Success Story Takes Center Stage at UN Convention
A groundbreaking approach to desertification control, born in the arid landscapes of Ningxia, China, has garnered international acclaim at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The success of Ningxia’s innovative techniques in combating desertification was showcased at a side event heldon December 4th at the China Pavilion. The event, themed Promoting Green and Prosperous Development in Ecologically Fragile Areas: Exploring Pathways to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, highlighted the region’s remarkable transformation from barren desert tothriving ecosystem. This transformation, described by attendees as a model for global sustainable development, has attracted significant attention from international organizations and governments alike.
The event featured presentations from key figures in international development and environmental protection. Valerie Hickey,World Bank Global Director for Environment, lauded Ningxia’s achievements, stating that the model injects vitality into the World Bank’s mission to eradicate poverty and build a livable planet. She emphasized the region’s demonstration of a clear pathway to prosperity through environmental improvements, land rehabilitation, and landscape restoration.Hickey further highlighted the World Bank’s pride in partnering with China and its commitment to disseminating these successful strategies globally.
Similarly, Wu Zhimin, Director of the Forestry Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), praised China’s Great Green Wall initiative, of which Ningxia is a significant component. He emphasized the transferability of the technologies developed within this initiative, particularly to African nations facing similar environmental challenges. He specifically highlighted the diverse technological models developed, offering a range of solutions adaptable to various contexts.
Liu Jun, Vice Chairman of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People’s Government, detailed the specific techniques employed in Ningxia’s success. These include cost-effective methods such as brush-shaped net ropes, cyanobacteria sand crusting, and high-efficiency seedling planting. He also underscored Ningxia’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and its collaboration with theUNCCD secretariat, including the successful completion of five international training workshops on desertification control. The commitment to international cooperation and knowledge-sharing was a recurring theme throughout the event.
The event underscored the global significance of Ningxia’s experience. The low-cost, high-impact techniques employed offer a replicable model for other arid and semi-arid regions struggling with desertification. The success story serves as a powerful testament to the potential of innovative approaches to environmental challenges, showcasing how ecological restoration can contribute to economic prosperity and sustainable development. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by the involvement of the World Bank, FAO, and theUNCCD secretariat further reinforces the global recognition of Ningxia’s contribution to combating desertification and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
References:
- Xinhua News Agency. (2024, December 5). “宁夏经验”走进联合国防治荒漠化大会. [News article inChinese]. Retrieved from [Insert Xinhua News Agency URL here if available]
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