LANZHOU, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- In order to learn more advanced and scientific technologies and ideas for combating desertification, Rezaali Pakzad left his hometown, the Iranian capital Tehran, in 2018 to study in northwest China's Gansu Province.
Rezaali, 27, is a PhD student at Lanzhou University, focusing on studies in soil desertification control.
In his view, Iran, like other arid and semi-arid countries, faces environmental problems such as desertification. When he did field surveys and research in Minqin County, Gansu Province, he found that the local desertification characteristics were very similar to those of his hometown.
"Minqin is in the middle of two deserts. From being 'about to disappear' to being gradually green, from being ravaged by 'sand devils' to being covered by vast green plants, the scientific and effective prevention and control methods of the Chinese government have greatly changed the county, and made me see the hope of improving the ecology in my hometown," Rezaali said.
He believes that China has certainly contributed to the world's efforts to combat desertification, and that the Chinese contribution is worth learning from. Through in-depth research in recent years, he has learned a lot about China's new technologies and new ideas for combating desertification.
China has developed advanced technology models, such as quicksand fixation and vegetation restoration, and protective forest systems along major transport routes, which have introduced more green to deserts.
Nevertheless, industries that generate benefits from the desert also made him see the possibility of harmony between man and nature.
Already among the top nations in the world in the field of combating desertification, China has never been reluctant to share its experience in desertification control with other countries, carry out international exchanges and cooperation, and contribute Chinese experience to global desertification control, Rezaali said.
Rezaali believes he has made fast progress during his five years of living and studying in China. By learning more about Chinese language and culture, he has adapted to life in China and enjoyed the selfless help and sincere concern of his teachers, classmates and friends here.
Rezaali hopes to produce high-level achievements in his research field and to contribute to international exchanges and cooperation in desertification control.
"I want to be an 'ecological messenger' by spreading green ideas," he said. ■
