The second stage of a cooperative project between China and Japan to plant trees as a windbreak in Dunhuang city, in north China's Gansu province, was launched this week. The project aims to protect the land and the historical sites in the area from desertification caused by strong winds.

In the first phase of the project, a windbreak and sand-fixation forest was planted in Heishanzui, China.org.cn reports.

The 3.2-million-yuan (355,000 euros) shelterbelt project will be carried out over three years, according to the Forestry Bureau of Dunhuang city. During this time, a total of about 400,000 Chinese poplars and tamarisks will be planted in an area covering 2,400 mu (160 hectares).

The Heishanzui windbreak and sand-fixation forest constituted the first phase of the anti-desertification cooperation between China and Japan, Dunhuang city mayor Ma Shilin told China.org.cn. During that project, about 696,300 trees were planted in an area covering 2,800 mu (186.7 hectares).

Desertification poses a big threat to Dunhuang's historical sites, including the Mogao and Xiqianfodong Caves and the Ruins of the Shouchang Township, China.org.cn writes.