Workers carry straw into the desert to be placed in sand-fixing grids, Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 12, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

As nearly half the world's land is degraded and drought intensifies across continents, the United Nations (UN) is hosting a landmark conference where China's decades-long experiment in reversing desertification is taking center stage as proof that the damage can be undone.

The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) opened on Monday in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia under the theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope," gathering delegates from 197 Parties to advance solutions on drought, rangelands and water security.

China's experience drew particular attention. UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad called China "one of the clearest large-scale examples of how land degradation can be reversed," citing the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program – launched in 1978 and still running today – as a model of policy continuity, legal frameworks and scientific monitoring. She noted that China has reported consecutive reductions in desertified and sandy land, and that its integrated approach – linking restoration with farming, grazing and rural livelihoods – offers valuable lessons for Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.

At COP17, China proposed establishing an International Grassland Day and set up a "China Corner" exhibition showcasing innovative sand-control practices. The country is also hosting nearly 20 side events. Beyond domestic efforts, China has established cooperation centers with Mongolia, Arab states and Central Asian countries for desertification prevention.

Despite these successes, global challenges persist. A UNCCD report says land degradation affects up to 40% of the world's land, while rangelands supporting some 2 billion people are under severe pressure. Current annual investment in UNCCD-related targets stands at only about $77 billion, leaving a $278 billion funding gap. The third edition of the Global Land Outlook, the UNCCD's flagship assessment, is set for release during COP17.

Mongolia, where a large portion of land is degraded, is advancing its "Billion Trees" campaign and a plan to restore 54,000 hectares of mining-affected land by 2030. Fouad stressed that COP17 must translate existing commitments into action at scale. The conference is also advancing the Riyadh–Ulaanbaatar Action Agenda to connect political decisions with on-the-ground restoration and drought resilience.