An aerial view of the Kubuqi Desert comprehensive treatment project in Ordos city, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region has exceeded its 2024 desertification control targets, completing 19.54 million mu (approximately 1.3 million hectares) of desertification control, 112.93 percent of its annual goal of 17.3 million mu.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the region's efforts to combat desertification.

2024 is a pivotal year for the "Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program", a key initiative to combat desertification in northern China.

At the beginning of the year, Inner Mongolia set an ambitious target of 17.3 million mu for desertification control, including 15 million mu for general desertification control and 2.3 million mu for integrated desertification control with wind power and photovoltaic projects.

To ensure the effective implementation of these targets, the region issued the sixth phase of the program and three major battle implementation plans.

Volunteers plant trees in the Hunshandake Desert in Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Grassland Cloud]

Several supporting documents were released, including opinions on mobilizing various forces for the program and notices on reducing the cost and improving the efficiency of desertification control.

Inner Mongolia has explored diversified investment mechanisms for desertification control, established a regional fund, and strengthened cooperation with public welfare organizations.

The region has also improved incentive and restraint mechanisms, encouraging local areas to adopt and promote models such as "build first, subsidize later", "recruit first, subsidize later", and "work-for-relief" to mobilize social forces for the program.

Looking ahead, efforts will be continuously made to advance desertification control and the integration of wind power and photovoltaic projects.

Grass grows in the Kubuqi Desert in Hanggin Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Hanggin Banner Media Center]