China showcases desertification control expertise at UNCCD COP17

At the UNCCD COP17 summit in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, China is showcasing its advancements in combating desertification and restoring ecosystems. Yasmin Fuad, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, noted that China’s methods provide valuable global experience, particularly through the integration of modern technology and water management.

China has utilized drones for seeding and reforestation, advanced machinery, and water-saving technologies to rehabilitate degraded lands. Fuad highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to serve as a critical tool for the early detection of land degradation and the assessment of geospatial data to combat droughts.

During the conference, a ‘China Pavilion’ presented the results of large-scale initiatives such as the ‘Three-North Shelterbelt Program,’ an artificial forestry project designed to prevent wind and sand hazards. Officials noted that after decades of effort, China has seen a shift from expanding desertification to increasing greenery, successfully reducing the total area of desertified land.