China just turned its biggest desert into a giant forest

China’s largest desert is now encircled by thousands of trees.  

The forest currently stretches over about 2,000 miles around the Taklamakan  desert in China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang. 

It is estimated that over 74 million acres of trees have been planted since the start of the project which has as its goal to stop desertification due to the rapid expansion of deserts and prevent devastating sandstorms. 

The project has also been called the ‘Green Belt’ and the ‘Great Green Wall’ and began in 1978. 

Following 46 years of working on this forest, China reported the 2,000 miles of forest had been completed in November of last year.

The launch of the project under the name of China’s “Three-North Shelterbelt” reveals how the project spans across northern, northwestern and northeastern China, including 13 provinces. 

The set date of completion for the project is 2050 at which point the green barrier is estimated to stretch over about a staggering 2,999 miles, making it the biggest artificial forest in the world.

The project experimented with various tree species, including non-native ones, drawing criticism for harming biodiversity and causing pollution, with minimal impact on reducing sandstorms.

China plans to continue combating desertification by planting trees along the Taklamakan Desert, restoring poplar forests using flood waters, and creating new forest networks. 

Despite these efforts, 26.8% of China’s land remains desertified, a slight improvement from 27.2% a decade ago, according to the latest figures. 

Taklamakan can be recognised by its massive sand dunes, some up which can go up to 900 feet high. 

Poplar trees are known for their rapid growth and adaptability to various soil conditions, making them ideal for landscaping and reforestation projects.