The planting of the Yangguan shelterbelt, a series of trees to provide a row of defense against strong winds, officially started on April 13. The shelterbelt is the second cooperative green project between China and Japan in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province. The first project involved building a windbreak and sand-fixation forest in Heishanzui.

The planting of the Yangguan shelterbelt, a series of trees to provide a row of defense against strong winds, officially started on April 13. The shelterbelt has been the second cooperative green project between China and Japan in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, since 2004. [Xinhua]

Aiming to control desertification and promote ecological protection in the area, the 3.2-million-yuan shelterbelt project will proceed in three years, the Forestry Bureau of Dunhuang City announced. About 400,000 Chinese poplars and tamarisks will be planted, covering an area of 2,400 mu (160 hectares).

Dunhuang City first cooperated with Japan in 2004 to build the Heishanzui windbreak and sand-fixation forest, said Ma Shilin, mayor of Dunhuang City. For that project, a sum of 2.8 million yuan was invested to plant 696,300 trees, covering an area of 2,800 mu (186.7 hectares). The plants helped to control the sandstorms in Heishanzui, one of the 12 largest wind droughts in Dunhuang.

Desertification in Dunhuang poses big threats to its cultural relics. The highly endangered historical sites include the Mogao Grottoes, the Xiqianfodong Caves and the Ruins of Shouchang Township. The Ruins of Yangguan and the Yumen Pass are located in moderately desertified areas, and the Xuanquanzhi Ruins, Hecang Ancient City, Maquanwan Site and the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty in slightly desertified areas.