Environmental and ecological protection

The Hopq Desert, the 7th largest in China, covers an area of 18,600 square kilometers. It is the world’s first desert throughout which comprehensive measures to fight desertification have been successfully taken. The United Nations Environment Programme highly praised the Hopq Mode, calling it “a sample of global desert control.” After 30 years of efforts, over 6,000 square kilometers, or one third of the desert, has turned into oasis. The photo shows workers planting Salix cheilophila in Hangjin Banner, Ordos City at the edge of the Hopq Desert in April, 2009. (Xinhua/ Ren Junchuan)