XINJIANG- A number of Asian, European, and African journalists visited the Kekeya Memorial Hall in Aksu Prefecture, located in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Kekeya Afforestation Project, initiated in the 1980s, transformed a barren desert into a lush green oasis, combating desertification and restoring ecological balance.

This monumental effort showcases the incredible impact of sustainable practices, and the foreign journalists were impressed by the great project implemented in that area.

In 1986, officials in Kekeya launched an afforestation project to prevent the desert from expanding, and reduce the impact of dust and sandstorms on nearby residents. It was completed in 2015.

Over the past 32 years, a “green wall” stretching for about 77,000 hectares has gradually been erected between the desert and local towns.

The remarkable achievement in Kekeya has inspired more people to participate in ongoing ecological campaigns that are expected to transform the desert into an oasis.

The program’s influence was widespread because the locals won the battle and passed on the task of fighting Mother Nature's quirks to those who will continue to strive for a better environment.

"Over 30 years ago, this part of the Gobi Desert was plagued by a harsh climate. It's because generations of people in Aksu persevered in afforestation efforts that we can have the happy life we enjoy today," according to one of the residents of Aksu.

Photo By Mahnaz Abdi