Deserts and sandy land in Inner Mongolia account for half of the total in China. If sand dunes are brought under control in the region, the threat of sand storms to Beijing is cut by half, said a group from the China Greening Foundation that visited Inner Mongolia.

Cai Yansong, vice-chairman of the foundation and president of the China sand control society, was at the head of the delegation.

In a meeting with Cai and his group, Yang Limin, deputy party secretary of the region, said that there are many ways to control the sand in addition to tree and grass planting. He said that more oasis will be added in the deserts and the farmers and livestock breeders must increase their income so that there will be a sustainable development.

Cai and his group spoke highly of the contribution made by the major dairy firms such as Yili and Mengniu in sand control.

(www.cenews.com.cn September 8, 2003)