The Great Green Wall Initiative for African Countries: A Valuable Experience from the Seminar Held in Beijing, China

Walid Ghidan

I had the opportunity to participate in the Seminar on the Great Green Wall Initiative for African Countries, which was held in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, from July 9 to July 22, 2026. The seminar was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organized by the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration.

This seminar represented an important platform for exchanging scientific knowledge and practical experiences among participants from African countries and China. It addressedsome of the most critical environmental challenges facing the world today, including desertification, land degradation, climate change, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Scientific Knowledge and Importance of the Lectures

The lectures and training sessions presented during the seminar were highly valuable and informative. They covered a wide range of scientific and practical topics related to the objectives of the Great Green Wall Initiative, including ecological restoration, afforestation, forest and grassland management, biodiversity conservation, and strategies for combating desertification.

The lectures delivered by experts and specialists were characterized by their scientific depth,practical approach, and relevance to current environmental challenges. They provided a comprehensive understanding of the methods and technologies adopted by China in restoring degraded ecosystems and developing sustainable green landscapes.

Through these lectures, I gained valuable knowledge about the importance of integrating scientific research with field applications to achieve effective environmental management. The experiences shared during the seminar highlighted the significant role of innovation, long-term planning, and cooperation between institutions in addressing environmental problems.

The Saihanba: A Model of Ecological Restoration

One of the most remarkable and beneficial experiences of the seminar was the field visit to Saihanba. This visit provided a unique opportunity to observe the successful transformation of a previously degraded area into one of the largest man-made forest ecosystems in China.

The achievements of Saihanba represent an inspiring example of how determination, scientific management, and continuous efforts can restore damaged ecosystems and create sustainable environmental resources. The visit demonstrated the importance of applying scientific knowledge in real-world situations and showed how afforestation and ecosystem restoration projects can contribute to improving environmental conditions and combating climate change.

The practical experience gained during this visit complemented the theoretical information obtained from the lectures. It provided a clear understanding of how environmental projects are planned, implemented, and managed to achieve long-term sustainability.

Relevance to My Field of Specialization

The knowledge and experiences acquired during this seminar are highly relevant to my field of specialization. The topics discussed provided me with new perspectives and practical approaches related to sustainable resource management, environmental conservation, and ecological restoration.

The Chinese experience in combating desertification and restoring degraded lands offers valuable lessons that can be considered in similar projects in African countries. The seminar strengthened my understanding of the relationship between scientific knowledge, modern technologies, andeffective environmental practices.

Furthermore, the seminar contributed to developing my professional skills by exposing me to international experiences and successful models of environmental management. The information gained can support future research, professional activities, and efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals.

Overall Benefits and Future Perspectives

Participation in this seminar was a highly valuable experience that expanded my scientific and professional knowledge. It provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and participants from different countries and to learn about diverse approaches to solving environmental challenges.

The combination of theoretical lectures and practical field visits created a comprehensive learning experience. The knowledge gained from the seminar will contribute to improving my professional performance and enhancing my ability to participate in environmental projects that support sustainable development.

Conclusion

The Seminar on the Great Green Wall Initiative for African Countries was a successful and enriching experience that combined scientific knowledge with practical applications. The valuable lectures, constructive discussions, and the impressive field visit to Saihanba provided deep insights into modern approaches for ecological restoration and sustainable environmental management.

This experience represents an important step toward strengthening cooperation between China and African countries in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. The knowledge and lessons gained from this seminar will remain a valuable

resource that can be applied within my field of specialization and contribute to future environmental initiatives.