Chinese scientists turn to bamboo to strengthen the Great Green Wall

Researchers are working on ways to use the fast-growing plant in the fight against desertification in China’s arid north The fastest-growing plant on Earth has the potential to help overcome challenges with current sand-fixing methods including short lifespan, ecological risks and health issues. Beijing on July 22 released a five-year conservation plan for the country’s forests and grasslands, which includes projects to be implemented under the Three-North Shelterbelt Programme by 2030. Desertification is the degradation of fertile land into desert-like land due to overgrazing, deforestation and climate change. To address the problem, China has planted a network – spanning thousands of kilometres – of shrubs, flowering plants and forests. Physical sand barriers have also been installed, including checkerboard grids made from straw.

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