A delegate records posters displaying desertification control achievements.

Locals carried the saplings on their shoulders or backs, filling up the holes immediately only to have the newly-planted trees pulled out by storms overnight.

They toiled endlessly on the land, trying to help the trees survive.

“Though desertification control is formidable, your approach is effective,” said Jonathan, adding that more progress will be made with long-term efforts.

The Alutu Operation Area boasts 1,467 hectares of shrub forest and is rich in salix mongolica.