CRI听力：Desertification in China's North Region Under Better Control

Once covered by a large desert area, Inner Mongolia in north China has witnessed an increase in green plantations recently instead of grassland deterioration like that plaguing other areas near the region.

Thanks to the efforts of the local government, the new phenomenon has also benefited the local residents.

CRI Reporter Chen Xi has the details.

Reporter:(www.hXen.com)

China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region used to be the major source of sandstorms in its neighboring municipality, Beijing.

However, the contributions of the local government in fighting climate deterioration has yielded not only blue skies in the capital, but also brought about financial benefits for the locals.

Li Shuping is the deputy director of the local forestry administration in Inner Mongolia.

"We have achieved some progress in the region recently. The land desertification has been well under control. In addition, the production means of agriculture and animal husbandry in sandy areas have also been diverted."

Li Shuping says that over 10 billion yuan, or one and half billion US dollars, has been invested in 16 million hectares of land to resolve the desertification issues.

Official data says as much as one-fifth of the autonomous region was covered by forests by the end of last year.
Additionally, the forestry official says a series of other favorable measures have fostered integration and efficiency of the local agriculture and livestock industry.

"We have started projects preserving arable land, grassland and environment immigration, particularly in terms of improving climate conditions at the wind and sandstorm origins for nearby Beijing and Tianjin."

Li Shuping says more investment has focused upon the Hun Shah Dake Sandy Land, which is only 180 kilometers from Beijing.

The dramatic environmental change at Sandy Land is also due to the diligence of a local resident. Jia Yixiang, a native herdsman, has planted trees over an area of more than 300 hectares in the past decade. He said he will continue this work in the future.

"I think the ecological condition of this area has returned to that of 20 years ago. It is really beautiful. I will ask my sons, friends, relatives and other local people to continue planting trees here."(www.hXen.com)

Chaogebator is one of the beneficiaries of the grassland preservation project.

"The preservation efforts diminish the pressure on the grasslands. It also provides them a chance to revitalize their original capacity. Although there were droughts these years, animals have sufficient fodder and the grassland is green."