GREENING PROGRAM invites you to join us
Improving desert ecology Protecting world cultural heritage
Planting green hope in the Gobi
GREENING PROGRAM is an ecological civilization construction project launched by UNITAR CIFAL Hubei (Hubei International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders, UNITAR), based on the goals of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It aims to improve the ecology of decertified land worldwide and is in line with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The GREENING PROGRAM, site in Dunhuang, China, is located 18 kilometres north of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, 10 kilometres east of Dunhuang International Airport, in the Hongliuquan area on the north side of the Ligue Expressway. The area has an elevation of 1139 meters, an average annual precipitation of 42.2 millimetres, an evaporation of 2505 millimetres, an average annual temperature of 9.9°C, a maximum temperature of 41.7°C, a minimum temperature of -30.5°C, and an average frost-free period of 152 days, representing a typical warm temperate arid climate.
The project's first phase is planned to last 10 years (2024-2033). The plan aims to plant approximately 1 million trees and control desertification on 5 square kilometres of land, restoring the vitality of the former Silk Road in Dunhuang.
/ Activity Details /
Activity Location
Dunhuang, Hongliuquan
Activity Time April 15th to October 15th each year. The activity in 2024 starts from July 1st and takes place every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, lasting for one day. Tree planting on designated days requires advance reservation.
Notes
The GREENING PROGRAM's public welfare ecological forest co-construction activity is held every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hongliuquan is located in the Gobi Desert landform, with daytime temperatures reaching an average of 35°C+. Outdoor activities may involve high temperatures and sun exposure. Individuals not accustomed to outdoor activities should exercise caution when signing up.
The GREENING PROGRAM Committee will provide the tools required for greening and planting in Hongliuquan.
The minimum age requirement for participants is 6 years old. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian or authorized guardian (the authorized guardian should provide a written authorization letter).
For participants organized by schools, the ratio of accompanying staff to students should not be less than 1:15.
The registration deadline is the Friday of the week before the activity.
Each batch of activities requires a minimum of 8 participants. Each participant should plant a minimum of 5 trees. If the group fails to form three days before departure, the full fee will be refunded.
In the event of extreme sandstorms or other unforeseen circumstances, participants have the right to reschedule their participation.
Fee Details
Morning Session: 380 RMB/person
Afternoon Session: 750 RMB/person
The fee includes
Certificate from UNITAR CIFAL Hubei
Uniform clothing (T-shirt or sun hat) with UNITAR CIFAL HUBEI and GREENING PROGRAM logos
Seedlings (Haloxylon ammodendron trees or Branchy tamarisk)
Planting tools such as shovels and gloves
Watering cart
Insurance coverage for the day of the activity by the team doctor (safety officer)
Round-trip transportation between Dunhuang Xi Yun Guan and Hongliuquan
Accident insurance coverage of 2 million RMB
The afternoon session includes barbecue, bonfire + fireworks + stargazing (subject to weather conditions)
The fee does not include
Transportation to and from Dunhuang from various locations
Personal items such as sunscreen clothing, sun hats, sunglasses, etc.
Additional items not mentioned during the activity
Expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances or personal factors
Activity Schedule
Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday (advance reservation required for designated tree planting days)
City Area - Hongliuquan - City Area
Morning Session
08:00 Gather at Dunhuang Xi Yun Guan parking lot
08:00-08:30 Take a bus to Hongliuquan
08:30-10:00 Field exploration in Hongliuquan
10:00-12:00 PlantHaloxylon ammodendron trees and take group photos with signs
12:00-12:30 Return from Hongliuquan to the city area, end of the activity
Afternoon Session
16:00 Gather at Dunhuang Xi Yun Guan parking lot
16:00-16:30 Take a bus to Hongliuquan
16:30-18:00 Field exploration in Hongliuquan
18:00-20:00 Plant Haloxylon ammodendron trees and take group photos with signs
20:00-23:00 Hongliuquan barbecue, bonfire + fireworks + stargazing (subject to weather conditions)
23:00-23:30 Return from Hongliuquan to the city area
The future of Dunhuang needs your participation. Let's come together, take action to protect this land, let green cover the desert again, and let hope bloom in Dunhuang. Join the GREENING PROGRAM and become a force for changing the world. We believe that even small changes can bring about a completely different tomorrow.
/ Special Statement /
For the purpose of process recording and project promotion, the committee may take photos and videos during the itinerary. By participating in the activity, it is deemed that the participants agree to authorize the committee to use their portraits in the photography and videography works during the process (participants will be invited to sign a formal authorization letter before the start of the itinerary). The ownership of the materials captured by the GREENING PROGRAM Committee members or accompanying personnel during the process belongs to the GREENING PROGRAM Committee. The committee has the copyright to all content, including videos, images, and texts. It has the right to distribute and promote them on various platforms (with attribution rights given to the photographer).