Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Northwest China is making a splash in environmental conservation by diverting 510 million cubic meters of floodwater this year. 💪🌊 The goal? To breathe new life into the desert poplar forests of the Tarim River Basin.
Last year, Xinjiang exceeded expectations by replenishing over 1.1 billion cubic meters of water, which was 197% of the expected capacity. According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, approximately 181,333 hectares of forest were irrigated through these flood diversion activities, leading to a 4.3% increase in vegetation coverage year on year. 📈🌿
The desert poplar forests along the Tarim River, China's longest inland river, span more than 666,000 hectares and form the largest natural forest area for this species. These forests play a crucial role as an ecological barrier in southern Xinjiang, helping to combat desertification and maintain biodiversity. 🌲🌍
Despite being highly tolerant to drought, these resilient trees have faced challenges over the decades. Since the 1950s, swathes of desert poplar trees have died off due to the overuse of water resources along the Tarim River. 😔💧
In response, Xinjiang launched a restoration project in 2019 aimed at reviving these dying forests. Through strategic flood diversion work, the region is enhancing the natural restoration capabilities of the forest, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future. 🌱✨
