Birds seek food in the recovered Hunshandake Sandland. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

Zhenglan Banner in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region is making significant strides in combating desertification across the Hunshandake Sandland by adopting a differentiated, locally tailored governance strategy.

Through a mix of engineering-based sand stabilization, ecological restoration, and targeted vegetation protection, the banner has effectively curbed the expansion of drifting sand and steadily improved vegetation coverage.

An aerial view of the Hunshandake Sandland in green. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

The Hunshandake Sandland is one of China's four major sandlands, covering 57.66 million mu (3.84 million hectares). Zhenglan Banner alone accounts for 12.78 million mu, representing 22.2 percent of the total sandland area.

Between 2000 and 2023, Zhenglan Banner invested 1.10 billion yuan ($153.42 million) in comprehensive sand control, treating over 5.52 million mu of desertified land.

In 2025, the banner aims to complete 1.14 million mu of sand control work and engage over 2,850 local farmers and herders in the restoration process.