China initiated the Three-North Shelterbelt Program in 1978, constructing a green Great Wall through afforestation and ecological improvements in 13 northern provinces and regions.

China joined the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994 as one of the first signatories.

The Champions of the Earth award is the highest honor in the environmental field awarded by the United Nations to recognize pioneers at the forefront of protecting humanity and the Earth. Since established in 2005, 122 recipients have been honored.

In 2017, the builders of China's Saihanba Forest Farm in North China's Hebei province received the award for Inspiration and Action.