On March 3, in a desert section of Yongfeng village, Jinta county, Jiuquan, Gansu province, villagers were installing tall sand barriers along with straw checkerboard barriers to form a "green Great Wall."
According to officials, the tall vertical sand barriers primarily serve to block wind. When wind passes through these elevated barriers, its velocity significantly decreases, thereby reducing the amount of sand carried by the wind. The straw checkerboard barriers and tall sand barriers are installed at specific intervals to create an effective sand stabilization system, which effectively prevents dune migration and reduces wind erosion in surrounding areas.
In recent years, Jinta county has adopted the philosophy that "clear waters and green mountains are invaluable treasures." Guided by this vision, the county has prioritized the implementation of an integrated sand control approach that combines biological measures with engineering solutions.
Leveraging advanced technologies, Jinta has promoted cost-effective and highly efficient sand stabilization techniques, including rice straw checkerboard grids, drone-based transportation, and mechanical sand compaction. These efforts have significantly enhanced the efficiency of sand control initiatives, further fortifying the ecological security barrier in western China.