Ecological restoration of the Loess Plateau in China

On the Loess Plateau in China, a large-scale project was implemented to restore lands that were previously considered among the most erosion-prone landscapes on the planet. Local farmers played a key role in these changes: their initiative to plant trees and create terraces transformed the lifeless slopes.

The implementation of the project led to significant environmental results. Efforts to strengthen the soil cover significantly reduced the volume of sediment discharge into the Yellow River. The annual discharge of erosion-related sediments decreased by more than 100 million tons, which had a positive impact on the state of the water body, which had previously suffered from the consequences of erosion that affected the level of flood risk.

In addition to the environmental effect, this initiative became an important tool for improving the living standards of millions of people. Sustainable agricultural development in these territories contributed to overcoming poverty among the local population.