China’s ‘Green Great Wall’ Slows Desertification
For half a century, workers in northern China have been using a technique called ‘straw checkerboards’ to combat desertification. This method stabilizes sand dunes and helps plants take root. The effort is part of the Three-North Protective Forest Program, also known as the Green Great Wall, aimed at reversing desertification. Since 2000, desertified land in northern China has shrunk significantly. The program has transformed vast regions, with forests now covering 200,000 square miles (approximately 518,000 square kilometers). Experts say continued success depends on long-term commitment and community involvement. The initiative has involved over 300 million rural laborers, mostly on a part-time basis.
The Three-North Protective Forest Program
Also called the Green Great Wall, this massive afforestation project spans northern China. It was launched decades ago to halt the advance of the Gobi Desert and other arid lands. Workers like Yin Yuzhen, a sand-control worker, have been at the forefront. In June 2026, she was photographed at a desertification control site of the Engebei Ecological Area near Ordos in Inner Mongolia province. She holds up a plant that did not survive because it was not planted deep enough, highlighting the challenges of reforestation in harsh conditions.
Straw Checkerboard Technique
The core method involves laying straw in a grid pattern on sand dunes, creating a checkerboard that reduces wind speed and traps sand, allowing vegetation to establish. This low-tech, labor-intensive approach has been key to stabilizing dunes across the Kubuqi Desert and beyond.
Challenges and Expert Warnings
Despite progress, scientists warn the fight is not over. Climate change, water scarcity, and the need for ongoing maintenance pose significant threats. The program’s long-term success hinges on sustained political will and active participation from local communities. Yin Yuzhen’s experience underscores the importance of proper planting techniques and continuous care.
Human Effort and Community Involvement
Over 300 million rural laborers have contributed to the project, many working part-time. Their efforts have turned once-barren landscapes into green corridors. However, without consistent funding and adaptive management, gains could be reversed. The road through the Engebei Ecological Area, photographed in June 2026, crosses a landscape that exemplifies both progress and ongoing vulnerability.