Congrong in blossom. It is grown as a parasite on the roots of suosuo to improve the host plant's fertility. Each flower can seed 50 grams and bring local herdsmen 1,000 yuan in sales. [Photo/China Daily]

The planting area was carefully selected after research on the distribution and geographic conditions of suosuo.

In addition, the Alxa SEE has been training local herdsmen to grow congrong as a parasite on the roots of suosuo to improve the host plant's fertility.

The Alxa SEE also teaches and encourages local communities to protect suosuo in an attempt to make the program sustainable.

Established in 2004, the Alxa SEE Association is a professional organization engaging in desertification prevention and control.

It was initiated by about 100 entrepreneurs and the founders said it aims to encourage other entrepreneurs in China to accept larger responsibilities for social and ecological issues.