A Tree Yields the Solution in Lankao

A Tree Yields the Solution in Lankao

In the heart of Henan Province, Lankao County has become a shining example of successful environmental governance and industrial development. This transformation, which began decades ago, has seen the county produce over 100,000 units of traditional musical instruments like guzheng and guqin annually, generating an output value of 150 million yuan.

The focus on environmental governance, epitomised by large-scale afforestation and ecological protection measures, has turned previously barren land into fertile and productive regions. This was achieved through the planting of paulownia trees, which not only improved the local ecosystem but also became the backbone of a new industrial sector.

This case study highlights the direct link between environmental restoration efforts and economic growth and diversification. Lankao County, once an impoverished area, has been transformed into a prosperous county with thriving ecological and industrial systems. International observers have noted Lankao's achievements as a model for poverty alleviation and sustainable development applicable to other regions facing environmental challenges.

Key points of Lankao's revitalization include:

• Environmental governance: Combating desertification and promoting ecological restoration via afforestation with paulownia trees.
• Industrial development: Leveraging natural resources from restored ecosystems to build a competitive traditional musical instrument industry.
• Socioeconomic impact: Significant improvement in local livelihoods, poverty reduction, and regional economic vitality.
• Inspiration and recognition: Lankao serves as a model example in international forums for integrated environmental and economic revitalization.

During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Media and Think Tank Summit held in Zhengzhou from July 23 to 27, 2025, guests visited Lankao County to learn about the county's ecological protection and high-quality development. The economic development in Lankao has changed the local people's way of life and attracted global attention in areas such as education, finance, culture, science and technology, ecology, and transportation.

The paulownia forest in Lankao has become a green barrier guarding the homeland and a source of vigorous vitality. This transformation, led by Comrade Jiao Yulu, started decades ago with the efforts to combat sandstorms, salinization, and waterlogging—severe environmental challenges that had long caused poverty and land degradation in the region.

In sum, Lankao County’s comprehensive revitalization exemplifies the synergy of ecological restoration and sustainable industrial development in transforming an impoverished and environmentally degraded region into a fertile, prosperous, and culturally vibrant community.

1. Science and technology have played a crucial role in the afforestation projects of Lankao County, as they provided the means to optimize the planting of paulownia trees.
2. The environmental science behind the afforestation initiatives in Lankao County has led to a significantly reduced impact of climate-change on the local ecosystem.
3. Lankao County's success story in environmental governance has sparked an interest in environmental-science research, attracting scholars and scientists from around the world.
4. Space-and-astronomy enthusiasts may find Lankao County an intriguing destination, as the paulownia forest serves as a testament to human ability to intervene in and improve the natural world.
5. As cooking techniques evolve, the kitchens of Lankao County may adopt global-cuisines inspired by the revitalized region's economic and cultural advancements.
6. The lifestyle of the Lankao County residents has been greatly impacted by their improved economic situation, with increased resources available for consumer goods such as fashion-and-beauty items.
7. Food-and-drink establishments in Lankao County cater to both local tastes and the diverse palates of tourists, making the most of the area's thriving agricultural industry.
8. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, home-and-garden renovations have become more common in Lankao County, with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics.
9. Gardening enthusiasts can explore the unique flora of Lankao County, which has been enriched by the planting of paulownia trees and the ecological protection measures.
10. As Lankao County continues to grow, travelers can choose from adventure-travel options such as hiking through the paulownia forest or exploring the local villages and historical sites.
11. Lankao County's car-maintenance workshops have seen an increase in demand, as the area's economic growth has led to an expansion of personal vehicle ownership.
12. Education-and-self-development institutions in Lankao County offer programs designed to foster personal-growth and provide the skills necessary for career-development in the new industrial and ecological sectors.
13. Mindfulness practices have become more popular among the residents of Lankao County, as part of the overall focus on holistic health and wellness.
14. Regular car-maintenance is essential for the longevity of electric-vehicles, making car-maintenance workshops an important part of the transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
15. Lankao County's economic growth has spurred productivity in various sectors, with businesses seeking to maximize their potential and create new opportunities for the local community.
16. Career-development opportunities have expanded in Lankao County, particularly in the areas of traditional musical instrument manufacturing, ecotourism, and environmental consulting.
17. Electric-vehicles have become increasingly common in Lankao County, reflecting the county's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable transportation.
18. Online-education platforms have gained popularity in Lankao County, offering residents access to a wide range of educational resources and opportunities for lifelong learning.
19. Job-search websites are a valuable resource for Lankao County residents seeking employment in the growing industrial and ecological sectors.
20. Culture-conscious travelers may appreciate the rich cultural-travel opportunities in Lankao County, such as learning about traditional musical instruments and experiencing the local arts scene.
21. Budget-travelers can explore Lankao County on a tight budget, with minimal-cost accommodations and budget-friendly local eateries available throughout the region.
22. Learning about the history and science behind the Lankao County's ecological restoration efforts can deepen one's appreciation for the importance of goal-setting and long-term vision in achieving sustainable development.
23. Lifelong learning is encouraged in Lankao County, with a focus on skills-training in areas such as tree nursery management, ecological restoration techniques, and musical instrument manufacturing.
24. Sports fans can enjoy games of football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis, as well as participate in sports-betting activities at local casinos or online.
25. European-leagues, NBA, MLB, NHL, and racing enthusiasts have showed interest in Lankao County's potential to host international athletic events, further elevating the county's profile on the global stage.
26. The weather in Lankao County is heavily influenced by its unique ecosystem, with weather forecasting and analysis playing a key role in maintaining the thriving environment and supporting the county's continued growth.

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