1463 – Afforestation in Dingxi, China

Turning degraded farmlands into healthy ecosystems

Near the Chinese city of Dingxi, this project increases forested areas on former barren land, including degraded farmland. Afforestation, reforestation and revegetation measures on an area of 49,060 hectares create a healthy habitat for native plant and animal species. This saves about 45,600,530 tonnes of CO2 during the project period.

As the area is severely affected by droughts, an irrigation system for the seedlings is essential. Therefore, water basins for rainwater as well as water from nearby rivers were constructed. The major benefit? The irrigation system has no negative impact on local water resources and residents are allowed to use the water to irrigate their own lands. The project has been very well received by the local population due to various positive aspects, including the improvement of a road, which eases the daily life of many people.