Combatting desertification scientifically: Where feasible, where necessary

China has made remarkable achievements in combating desertification, achieving “zero net growth” in land degradation. With the goal of scientifically improving the relationship between humans and nature in drylands, the continuous exploration of new concepts, methods, and pathways for scientific desertification control will contribute to advancing the harmony between humans and nature in China’s drylands. Based on the definitions of desertification, ecological restoration baselines, and the contributions of nature to humans, we clarified the scientific implications of “controlling desertification where it is feasible and necessary”. We discussed the shift in China’s desertification prevention and control direction from “humans advancing while deserts retreat” to “harmonious coexistence between humans and deserts”, and from “expanding green spaces” to “green development” in the new era. Guided by the principle of “harnessing the power of nature” and aiming to “benefit people’s livelihoods and well-being”, we proposed four recommendations: strengthening the protection of pristine deserts, improving desertified rangeland management efficiency, enhancing the “four functions” of protection forests (as reservoirs, green banks, carbon sinks, and ecological barriers), and adapting to climate change in drylands. These measures are designated to scientifically promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature in drylands.