Great Green Wall (China)

The Great Green Wall, also known as the Three-North Shelter Forest Program (三北防护林工程; Sānběi Fánghùlín Gōngchéng), is a series of human-planted, windbreaking forest strips in China, designed to halt the expansion of the Gobi Desert and provide timber resources. Initiated in 1978, the program aims to combat desertification and soil erosion, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern China.

The project spans thirteen provinces, covering an area of approximately 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) in length and 400 kilometers (250 miles) in width. It targets the "Three-North" region, encompassing Northeast China, North China, and Northwest China. The plan envisions a vast green belt composed of planted trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Implementation involves large-scale afforestation efforts, including aerial seeding, direct planting by hand, and community-based planting initiatives. Species selection prioritizes drought-resistant and fast-growing varieties suitable for the harsh environmental conditions.

The Great Green Wall has faced challenges, including low survival rates of planted trees, a lack of biodiversity within the planted forests, and debates over the effectiveness of monoculture plantations in combating desertification. Concerns have also been raised regarding the program's potential to deplete groundwater resources and disrupt local ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, the project remains a significant undertaking, representing one of the world's largest afforestation efforts. While its long-term environmental impact is still being evaluated, the Great Green Wall symbolizes China's commitment to combating desertification and improving environmental sustainability in its northern regions.