Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), Shanxi province has incorporated 66.18 percent of its land into the sixth phase of the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Project. This initiative has transformed previously barren and erosion-prone areas into lush, prosperous ecological havens.

During this period, Shanxi has carried out afforestation on 18.32 million mu (1.22 million hectares), increasing forest coverage to 18.56 percent by 2023. The soil erosion area in the loess hills and gullies of northwest Shanxi has decreased to 4.62 percent. A 600-kilometer green corridor along the Yellow River's main stream has been established, with six major shelterbelt systems taking shape.

At the provincial level, a series of policy documents has been issued, innovatively proposing four major campaigns including consolidating sand control achievements and six key actions, such as targeted forest expansion.

The province is also advancing intelligent ecological management. Satellite remote sensing and drone monitoring form an aerial surveillance system that provides continuous, dynamic tracking of vegetation growth. The low-altitude unmanned system, capable of automatic takeoff and landing and smart route planning, acts as an all-weather "ecological sentinel," offering real-time data to support forest resource management.

Moreover, Shanxi has aligned the "Three-North" project with rural vitalization, using local resources to develop green industries like fruit and nut economic forests, under-forest economies, and eco-tourism. This approach turns green landscapes into economic assets. Currently, the economic forest area in the project zone exceeds 8 million mu, with farmers earning an average of 2,000 yuan ($286) per 1.2 mu annually.

Shanxi remains committed to expanding greenery, protecting ecosystems, fostering industries, and benefiting the people, ensuring the "Three-North" project continues to safeguard ecological security, drive rural vitalization, and promote high-quality development.