From August 4 to 10, 2026, the International Training Workshop on Vegetation Rehabilitation and Sustainable Development in Arid Regions of Greater Central Asia was successfully held in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. The workshop was jointly organized by the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet), Inner Mongolia Forestry and Grassland Bureau, Inner Mongolia Academy of Forestry Sciences and Wangyedian Forest Farm. As an annual capacity-building activity under the Greater Central Asia Forestry Cooperation Mechanism (GCA-FCM), the workshop brought together experts and practitioners from forestry authorities, research institutions, and relevant organizations in China and Mongolia.

The workshop combined classroom-based training with field study visits. During the theoretical sessions, Chinese experts delivered presentations on topics including the high-quality implementation of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, integrated management of desertified land, ecological restoration of mining areas, and the development of forest, grassland, and desert-related industries. A session on economy experiences was also arranged, during which Mongolian experts shared experiences and challenges in combating desertification based on their own practices, promoting mutual learning and exchange of experiences across the region.

Participant Shares Mongolia’s Experiences in Desertification Control

During the workshop, participants also visited the Comprehensive Sandy Land Management Project Area Along Qi-Bai Road in Wudan Town of Wenniute Qi, Inner Mongolia Desert Flower Ecological Industry Technology Co., Ltd. and The Vegetation Restoration and Forest Resource Management and Utilization Demonstration Project in the Greater Central Asia Region, etc. Through field visits and on-site exchanges, participants gained an in-depth understanding of Inner Mongolia’s practical achievements in integrated desertification control, ecological restoration, development of ecological industries, and sustainable forest resource management.

Visit to the Desert Flower Ecological Industry Technology Co., Ltd.

As an important capacity-building activity under the Greater Central Asia Forestry Cooperation Mechanism (GCA-FCM), the workshop shared Inner Mongolia’s experience and expertise in ecological restoration and management in arid and semi-arid regions. It provided a valuable platform for forestry experts from China and Mongolia to exchange experiences and explore future cooperation. Participants noted that Inner Mongolia’s practical approaches to combating desertification provided useful references for ecological management in similar areas of Mongolia. Moving forward, APFNet will continue to leverage the GCA-FCM to strengthen regional capacity building and technical exchange through training workshops, demonstration projects, joint research, and other forms of cooperation, contributing to the sustainable development of a greener and more resilient Greater Central Asia.