Imagine turning a vast desert into a green oasis! 🌟 That's the incredible story of Kekeya, a region nestled on the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Once known as the \"Sea of Death,\" the Taklimakan Desert spans an enormous 337,000 square kilometers, bringing harsh sandstorms and barren landscapes to Kekeya. But in 1986, an ambitious dream took root: transforming this arid land into a thriving forest.
Armed with simple tools and a whole lot of determination, locals began planting trees to fight desertification. Despite challenges like water shortages and tough soil, they didn't give up. 🌱 One year later, the first signs of green appeared, giving hope to everyone tired of sand in their rice bowls!
\"We were planting trees almost every spring and autumn,\" recalls Song Jianjiang, one of the first forest rangers. \"Since our shelter-belt forest was planted, it has blocked the wind and sand from afar and helped keep our homes clean.\"
Fast forward to today, and over 80,000 hectares of forest cover Kekeya! 🌲 The forest coverage rate soared from 8% in 1986 to a whopping 73% by 2020. This green miracle not only improved the environment but also boosted the local economy.
Zhao Hongguang, a local apple grower, is reaping the benefits. \"Now, one mu (one-fifteenth of a hectare) of land can produce 3 to 4 tonnes of apples,\" he says. \"Four tonnes of apples can sell for over 20,000 yuan (about $2,850). Most of my apples are sold to the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta regions.\" 🍎
With the improved ecology, wildlife is making a comeback too! Photography enthusiasts like Su Hui and his wife, Lu Fang, are spotting bird species they've never seen before, like kingfishers and bluethroats. 🐦
This incredible transformation shows how dedication and hard work can change the world. \"We have built the shelterbelt forest in Kekeya, and it has brought hope to everyone here,\" says Song.
Kekeya's journey from desert to oasis is nothing short of inspirational. Who knew that the \"Sea of Death\" could become a sea of green? 🌊➡️🌳
Reference(s):
Xinjiang's Kekeya becomes green miracle in China's largest desert
cgtn.com
