China expands Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program as part of a sweeping anti-desertification campaign. Officials revealed this progress on Tuesday, ahead of Desertification and Drought Day 2025. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration outlined key achievements since 2012. China has restored 365 million mu (24.33 million hectares) of degraded land. The protected area now totals 27.94 million mu, officials confirmed.
At the same time, the administration reported four consecutive periods of improvement. The desertification and sandification indices declined steadily between 2014 and 2019. Wind and sand hazards also reduced across China’s major deserts and sandy regions. Wind-related soil erosion fell by around 40 percent compared to 2000 levels. These results place China at the forefront of global greening efforts.
Moreover, China expands Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program as part of its international leadership role. The Three-North regions remain the focus of the nation’s desertification fight. Since the program began, the area has seen transformative changes. Officials reported preservation of 480 million mu of forested land. They also rehabilitated 1.28 billion mu of degraded grassland and controlled soil erosion over 670 million mu.
Forest coverage in these areas has more than doubled since 1977. It rose from 5.05 percent to 13.84 percent today. Authorities achieved effective control over 61 percent of erosion-prone land. They also protected 450 million mu of farmland through coordinated interventions. The “green line” of vegetation along the Yellow River shifted 300 kilometres westward.
Meanwhile, China expands Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program to showcase success at global forums. In December 2024, China opened its pavilion at COP16 in Saudi Arabia. The 600-square-metre space was the second-largest national exhibit. Titled “Cross-Century Green Great Wall, China’s Restoration in Action,” it highlighted landmark efforts. The Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program featured prominently in the display.
Officials stressed that science and innovation will drive future gains. This year’s Desertification and Drought Day theme—“Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities”—aligns with national goals. China continues to link restoration work with economic and social benefits. As climate threats rise, the country will further expand green development. Its progress offers valuable lessons for the world.
