Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China plans to divert floodwater to replenish desert poplar forests in the Tarim River Basin, aiming to enhance ecological restoration efforts.

In a bid to revitalize the desert poplar forests along the Tarim River Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China is set to divert 510 million cubic meters of floodwater this year, continuing its efforts to bolster ecological restoration.

Last year, Xinjiang exceeded expectations by replenishing the water supply for the desert poplar forests with over 1.1 billion cubic meters of floodwater, marking a significant stride in rejuvenating the region's vital ecological barrier. The flood diversion activities, overseen by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, irrigated approximately 181,333 hectares of forest, leading to a 4.3 percent increase in vegetation coverage.

The desert poplar forests, spanning more than 666,000 hectares along the Tarim River, play a crucial role in southern Xinjiang's ecological balance. Despite the species' resilience to drought, decades of water resource overuse have resulted in widespread tree mortality since the 1950s.

To combat this decline, Xinjiang initiated a comprehensive restoration project in 2019, focusing on enhancing the natural recovery capabilities of the desert poplar forests through strategic flood diversion initiatives. As the region continues its commitment to ecological conservation, the endeavor aims to safeguard Xinjiang's unique environmental heritage for generations to come.