Hey there! Did you know that deserts can grow? In China, there’s a big desert called the Tengger Desert. It’s the fourth-largest desert in China and it’s been trying to spread into towns and farms!
But guess what? The people in China have been working hard to stop it. They just finished building a special barrier along the edge of the desert to keep it from spreading. Think of it like a big wall made out of plants and straw!
What’s the Barrier Made Of?
The barrier is 153 kilometers long—that’s like stacking about 1,400 soccer fields end to end! It’s made using a clever method called straw checkerboards. Workers place straw in the sand in a crisscross pattern. This helps to hold down the sand so the wind doesn’t blow it away.
Later, they’ll plant grasses and shrubs that can live in the desert. These plants will grow roots that hold the sand in place even better. It’s like giving the desert a green blanket!
Why is This Important?
When deserts spread, they can cover up good land where people live and grow food. By stopping the desert, they’re protecting towns, farms, and even roads.
Plus, this helps to prevent sandstorms, which can be really bad for people and the environment.
Working Together to Help the Earth 🌍
This project didn’t happen overnight. People have been working on it since the 1950s! It’s part of a big effort called the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, which is the world’s largest tree-planting project.
China isn’t just helping itself. They’re also sharing what they’ve learned with other countries to help stop deserts from spreading around the world.
A Bright Green Future
Scientists and workers are excited because this barrier shows how people can work with nature to solve big problems. They say it’s a great example of how humans and nature can live together in harmony.
Isn’t it amazing what we can do when we work together to take care of our planet?
Reference(s):
China completes barrier belt to contain its fourth-largest desert
cgtn.com
