The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) is taking place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 17 to 28. On August 18, a side event on Sino-Mongolian cooperation achievements was held under the theme "Building a Green Mongolian Plateau," focusing on joint efforts in desertification control, ecological restoration, and Mongolia's "Billion Trees" initiative.
At the event, Jia Xiaoxia, Deputy Director of the Desertification Control Department at China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, stated that China and Mongolia share similar grassland ecosystems and plateau characteristics as close neighbors. She emphasized that desertification control is a long-term endeavor requiring multi-party collaboration, and that a single, uniform method cannot be applied across all regions. Instead, strategies must be tailored to local conditions with scientific planning.
Jia Xiaoxia reviewed China's history in combating desertification, noting that the country's achievements are not the result of a short-term effort. Rather, they stem from sustained collaboration among government leadership, departmental support, research institutions, universities, private enterprises, and the broader public. After nearly seven decades of persistent efforts, the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has become a national consensus. Ecological products are now widely regarded as shared public benefits, a mindset that has laid a strong social foundation for ecological governance.
In detailing specific practices, Jia Xiaoxia highlighted the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Program, which spans nearly 500 counties across northern China with a planned duration of 73 years. Launched in the 1970s, the program has progressed in tandem with the country's reform and opening-up. Its success is attributed not only to domestic contributions but also to active international cooperation. She stressed that desertification and dust storms are cross-border issues, underscoring China's commitment to working with Mongolia and other Northeast Asian nations to tackle these shared challenges.
On governance methods, Jia Xiaoxia was explicit: "A one-size-fits-all solution cannot be applied to all regions." She explained that China follows the principle of "matching tree and grass species to local conditions," determining vegetation restoration based on available water resources. Given the unpredictability of precipitation, satellite remote sensing must be combined with ground observations to obtain accurate land data. Ecological information and local socioeconomic factors are also incorporated into decision-making processes, enabling the development of tailored technical solutions for each specific area.
Jia Xiaoxia emphasized that China's ecological governance consistently prioritizes a "people-centered" approach. During the "Three-North" program, efforts have focused not only on improving the environment but also on converting natural resources into economic capital. She noted that approximately 1.15 million farmers and herders have participated in ecological restoration projects under the program, with each household seeing an average annual income increase of about 10,000 yuan, effectively enhancing community well-being. Additionally, China has introduced innovative models that combine solar energy development with ecological restoration. Solar power generation provides residents with additional income, while grazing and specialized livestock breeding beneath the solar panels reduce pressure on grasslands, creating a virtuous cycle between ecology and economy.
Jia Xiaoxia believes that while ideas are important, the key lies in translating them into concrete actions. The Sino-Mongolian Desertification Control Cooperation Center embodies this philosophy. Through this platform, China aims to work with partners to select proven, effective technologies and adapt them to Mongolia's local ecological conditions. By integrating scientific research outcomes, corporate resources, and public participation, the goal is to ensure that governance measures are effectively implemented and take root.
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