Beijing, May 9 (Youth.cn) - On May 7, 2025, in the heart of northwestern China’s arid landscapes, workers at the Gobi Agriculture and Forestry Ecological Industry Co., Ltd. in Jinta County, Gansu Province, are diligently irrigating and tending to a sprawling 10,000-mu (about 6.67 square kilometers) plantation of drought-resistant saxaul trees. This green fortress, deep within the desert, stands as a testament to China’s relentless battle against desertification.

Under the Three-North Shelterbelt Program - a national anti-desertification initiative - Jinta County has ramped up afforestation efforts over the past years, transforming barren sands into thriving ecosystems. The saxaul forests, known for their deep roots and resilience to winds, now form a living barrier that blocks sandstorms, stabilizes soil, and revives biodiversity. Photo/CFP