World's largest man-made forest combats sandstorms in northern China

The world's largest man-made forest, covering over 77 square miles, is located in Saihanba National Forest Park, Hebi, China. It was created to combat sandstorms affecting Beijing and other northern cities, which worsened after deforestation in the 19th century. Established in 1962, the forest was developed by three generations of foresters who transformed a barren desert into a lush area. Tree coverage increased from 11.4% to 80%, supporting nearly half a billion trees and significantly reducing sandstorm days in Beijing. The forest now absorbs over 745,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and supports diverse wildlife, including 618 plant species and 261 mammal species. The Saihanba Afforestation Community received the Champions of the Earth award in 2017 for their efforts.