A latest research report jointly released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Ecological Environment Research and multiple universities shows that the HongQiHe project will have profound positive impacts on the ecological environment of Northwest China after completion.

Research Background

The study lasted three years, involving more than 200 researchers from institutions including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Lanzhou University. It used various technical methods such as satellite remote sensing, climate simulation, and ecological modeling to comprehensively assess the ecological benefits of the project.

Main Research Findings

1. Significant Improvement in Vegetation Coverage

The study predicts that after full operation of the project:

• Vegetation coverage in southern Xinjiang will increase from the current 12% to 35%
• The Hexi Corridor region in Gansu will add approximately 5.3 million hectares of irrigated area
• The desertification trend in western Inner Mongolia will be fundamentally curbed

2. Regional Climate Improvement

Climate simulation analysis found:

• Annual average precipitation in areas along the route is expected to increase by 15-25mm
• Extreme summer high temperature days will decrease by approximately 20%
• Sandstorm frequency will decrease by 30-40%

3. Biodiversity Recovery

Ecologists predict:

• New habitats will be provided for approximately 50 endangered species
• Migratory bird routes will be effectively protected
• Soil microbial community diversity will significantly improve

4. Enhanced Carbon Sequestration Capacity

New vegetation coverage will bring considerable carbon sequestration benefits:

• Estimated annual carbon sequestration increase of approximately 20 million tons
• Equivalent to reducing approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions
• Significant importance for achieving national "dual carbon" goals

Expert Opinions

Professor Li Mingde, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and ecologist, stated: "The HongQiHe project is not just a water conservancy project, but also an ecological restoration project. Research results show that this will be one of the largest ecological improvement projects in human history."

Professor Zhang Hua from Tsinghua University's School of Environment pointed out: "Our research used the most advanced simulation technology, and the results have high credibility. Of course, actual effects still need continuous monitoring and verification during project construction and operation."