In Minqin County, Gansu Province, a grassroots desertification control movement led by local youth Zhong Lin has mobilized over 30,000 volunteers this year. The initiative, known as “Please Come to Minqin to Plant a Tree,” has resulted in the planting of more than 1 million drought-resistant saplings, including saxaul, white thorn, and calligonum, to combat encroachment from the Tengger and Badain Jaran deserts.
Zhong Lin, who heads the Minqin County Forest Planting Public Welfare Development Center, spearheaded the movement after returning to his hometown following university. By leveraging his background in e-commerce, he initially funded desertification efforts through the sale of local honey melons. Since 2021, his team has integrated environmental action into their business model, including a “desert honey melon blind box” that provides consumers with a saxaul seed and a call to environmental action with every purchase.
Did You Know?
The “Please Come to Minqin to Plant a Tree” movement gained significant national visibility in early 2024 after the production team of the web variety show 《种地吧》 contacted Zhong Lin, leading to a broader surge in volunteer participation.
Why the Minqin desertification project matters
Located in the northeastern Hexi Corridor, Minqin is a critical region for China’s anti-desertification efforts, facing pressure from two major deserts on three sides. For the local population, reforestation is a matter of home security rather than an optional ecological project. According to reports, the project has evolved from early, failed attempts—where 90% of saplings died due to improper watering—into a scientifically guided operation. The local government supports this effort by providing logistical assistance, including transportation, police patrols, and specialized road maintenance for the public welfare forest base.
What happens next for the desert forest
The success of the spring planting season suggests that the project will likely continue to expand as a recurring volunteer event. Because many participants have expressed a commitment to return, analysts expect the “green barrier” to grow in density over the coming years. As the saplings take root and form a network to lock down shifting sands, the effort is expected to remain a focal point for environmental advocacy in the region. Future planting cycles will likely rely on the continued coordination between the Minqin County Forest Planting Public Welfare Development Center and incoming volunteers.
Expert Insight:
The transition from individual e-commerce efforts to a large-scale volunteer movement highlights a shift in how environmental conservation is funded and managed. By combining online commercial engagement with physical labor, the project has successfully gamified ecological responsibility, turning a local necessity into a national cause that transcends traditional administrative boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the tree-planting efforts funded?
The efforts are primarily funded through e-commerce revenue generated from selling local Minqin honey melons, which are marketed with environmental initiatives like the “desert honey melon blind box.”
What types of trees are being planted in the desert?
Volunteers are planting drought-resistant species including saxaul, white thorn, calligonum, and desert wormwood.
How has the project changed since it began?
Initially, the project faced high failure rates due to a lack of scientific understanding regarding sand moisture. Over time, the approach shifted to focus on professional guidance and improved planting techniques, which significantly increased the survival rate of the saplings.
What future role do you think digital platforms will play in local environmental conservation efforts?
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