China and the countries of Central Asia are strengthening joint efforts to tackle some of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. A delegation from the China–Central Asia Cooperation Center on Desertification Control recently visited Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to deepen collaboration in areas such as desertification prevention and control, forest fire prevention, and pest management, DKNews.kz reports.
According to the news portal Zhongguo Xinwenwang, the visit resulted in a number of agreements aimed at expanding practical cooperation. These steps are expected to lay a solid foundation for a coordinated response to regional environmental risks and for strengthening ecological security across Central Asia.
Desertification as a shared regional challenge
Desertification, land degradation, forest fires and the spread of pests are becoming increasingly acute problems for Central Asia. Climate change, water scarcity and growing human pressure on natural resources mean these threats no longer stop at national borders.
Against this backdrop, the Chinese delegation focused not on formal diplomacy, but on hands-on cooperation and the exchange of practical experience. Representatives of the Center shared China’s policy approaches and concrete measures related to building an “ecological civilization,” with particular emphasis on desertification control.
From policy to practice: China’s experience
One of the highlights of the visit was the demonstration of mature technologies for sand and wind control that China has successfully applied for years. Special attention was drawn to the so-called straw checkerboard technique, a simple but highly effective method of stabilizing shifting sands by fixing straw grids in a checkerboard pattern. This approach helps reduce wind erosion and creates conditions for subsequent vegetation restoration.
In addition, the delegation presented Chinese practices in:
- forest fire prevention and response,
- pest prevention and control,
- rehabilitation of degraded land.
Science, technology and people
During the tour, the delegation visited typical desertification control areas in all four countries, as well as local research institutions. The parties held in-depth discussions on key issues such as:
- breeding of salt- and drought-resistant plant varieties,
- application of smart greenhouse technologies,
- training and capacity-building for environmental professionals.
As a result, priority areas for long-term cooperation were identified, taking into account the specific natural and climatic conditions of Central Asia.
A young center with ambitious plans
The China–Central Asia Cooperation Center on Desertification Control was officially launched in July 2025 under the auspices of the Forestry and Grassland Administration of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China.
Despite its recent establishment, the Center has already built long-term cooperation channels with government agencies and research institutions across Central Asia.
What comes next
Looking ahead, the Center plans to focus on promoting locally adaptable desertification control technologies and supporting the implementation of small-scale but high-impact demonstration projects. It also intends to:
- establish an analytical hub to support policy and research cooperation,
- create a practical cooperation platform linking R&D, technology transfer and experience sharing,
- intensify joint training of specialists.
Environment as a pillar of stability
Experts note that this cooperation goes far beyond environmental protection alone. Combating desertification is closely linked to food security, sustainable rural development and long-term social stability in Central Asia.
By deepening collaboration in this field, China and the Central Asian countries are sending a clear signal: environmental challenges require collective solutions, and joint action can become a powerful driver of green development and ecological security across the region.
