Over the past seven years in China, I've traveled to 26 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and special administrative regions. Last year, I had the honor of attending the International Youth Friendship Camp in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region as a team leader from Bangladesh.

Alongside 34 youth representatives from South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, and other countries and regions, I spent a week exploring Ningxia and witnessing its remarkable transformation.

Ningxia is situated in Northwest China. Although the Yellow River runs through its entire territory, the region is surrounded by deserts, posing significant challenges in combating desertification.

As a result, Ningxia places great importance on ecological protection, scientifically developing its sand industry, utilizing sand for economic benefit, and ultimately restoring the land.

While at the camp, we visited the Shapotou Desert in Zhongwei city. Once threatened by relentless desert winds, the landscape now tells a different story. As I looked around, I saw rows of straw checkerboards stretching out before me, their geometric patterns holding the sand in place. These simple yet effective barriers are the first line of defense against desertification, allowing vegetation to take root and thrive.

Walking through the sand, our guide, a local environmentalist, explained how scientists and farmers had worked together tirelessly for years to create these grass grid barriers. "We used to fight against the desert," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Now, we work with it."

His words resonated deeply within me. It was a reminder that sustainability isn't about conquering nature but finding harmony with it. And Shapotou stands as a living, breathing example of how nature and humanity can coexist.

Ecological harmony

We also had the chance to plant desert-friendly vegetation and participate in desertification control efforts, feeling a deep sense of connection to the land and the people dedicated to its restoration.

That afternoon, as the sun waned in the western sky, casting a purple glow over the desert sand and the wind howled softly outside, I sat with a group of young people from various cultural backgrounds. Our conversation drifted from topics of ecological protection and climate change to sustainable living and the intersection of culture, tradition, and shared responsibility.

The South Korean participants talked about their country's advancements in renewable energy technology, while the Malaysians shared insights into sustainable agriculture in tropical climates. The Mongolians, on the other hand, spoke about their traditional nomadic practices and how they were being adapted for modern conservation efforts.

Despite coming from different corners of the world, we all agreed on one thing: Ningxia's green transformation is a testament to what can be achieved when communities unite with purpose, look beyond differences, and work together toward a common goal.

Semjaan Batkhishig from Mongolia highlighted Shapotou's innovative desertification control efforts, which offer valuable lessons for Mongolia.

"With tailored approaches and strong community and policy support, Mongolia can replicate Shapotou's success, restoring its landscapes and securing a more resilient future," she said.

Kim Jun-yeong, a South Korean student from Daegu University, shared that coming from a country with limited land area and no deserts, he was struck by the vast, arid expanse and the dramatic contrast between the desert and the urban environment he was familiar with. One of the highlights of his visit was riding a sand sleigh, which provided a unique way for visitors to engage with the desert's dynamic terrain.

"Ningxia's green development is remarkable. Crops are cultivated on land that once appeared lifeless," Kim said. "This innovative use of resources demonstrates how even the most challenging environments can be harnessed sustainably and productively."

Beyond nature's wonders, the camp was also a vibrant celebration of culture.

We visited an intangible cultural heritage exhibition center and a museum dedicated to wolfberries — a local specialty — in Yinchuan, the capital city. We also stayed with local families, immersing ourselves in their daily lives.

These experiences provided deep insights into the region's unique industries and rich heritage while also offering a firsthand look at Chinese-style modernization in action through the Ningxia story.

As I left Ningxia, I carried with me a profound sense of hope — hope for the environment, for communities that are proving change is possible, and for a future where sustainable development is not just an ideal but a reality.

Written by Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, PhD, a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education at Sanming University in Fujian, China.