The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, (surround) by advancing deserts on three sides, is one of the major sources of sandstorms which threaten northern China. The region lacks water resources faces extreme weather events. If no actions (take), the region will face the threat of being buried by sand as no (defend). can stop the advancing deserts and repetitive strong sandstorms.
More than four decades of efforts against desertification in Ningxia have helped develop crucial experience. Growing different trees based on different habitats is (critic). to maintaining the forests' quality and sustainability. In Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, wild shrubs (灌木) are planted because of the (extreme) low groundwater. Shrubs help lower the wind speed, preventing the transportation sands to neighboring areas. At the same time, the organisms (live) on the shrubs gradually form biological soil coats to hold the sand firmly.
By the end of 2020, Ningxia (grow) 510,000 hectares of forest, increasing forest coverage from 8.4 percent in 2000 to 15.8 percent. During "14th Five-Year Plan" period, Ningxia plans to create 96,000 hectares of forest and restore over 66,000 hectares of grassland.