From scorched dunes to lush orchards, Ningxia in the Chinese mainland has pulled off a green miracle over the last 70 years. What was once endless sand is now packed with grapevines, goji berry fields and other fruit farms that thrive under the sun. 🍇🌱
“It took three generations … to turn this bare desert into the green land we see today,” says Wang Xiaolin, director of the Baijitan Management Station at Ningxia Lingwu Baijitan National Nature Reserve. Walking through the reserve, you’ll spot climbing beetles, young trees and drip-irrigation pipelines that make it all possible.
Here’s how they did it:
- Eco-restoration 101: Planting native shrubs and trees to anchor the sand.
- Smart irrigation: High-tech drip systems deliver water drop by drop, cutting waste and boosting yields.
- Local innovation: Mobile apps help farmers monitor soil moisture, weather forecasts and crop health on the go.
Today, Ningxia’s fruits aren’t just feeding local markets—they’re exporting top-quality products like goji berries to tea-lovers across Asia. It’s a win-win: stronger local economies, healthier ecosystems and a blueprint for regions battling desertification worldwide. 🌏✨
For young changemakers in South and Southeast Asia, Ningxia’s journey is a reminder that with persistence, tech and nature working hand-in-hand, even the toughest challenges can bloom into opportunities. Ready to turn your own “desert” into a green success story? Let’s get growing! 💪🌿
Reference(s):
Producing fruits from deserts: Ningxia overcomes challenges to thrive
cgtn.com
