Mr. Liu, a propaganda department officer, holds a branch of a dying tree in the Dunhuang Yangguan National Nature Reserve. He claims 40% of the Yangguan forest is dying. The forest was planted in 1953 to protect Dunhuang City against destructive elements of the Kumutage Desert. The Desert is expanding because the local Shule River holds less water, losing its grip on its banks and giving sand a chance to roam free. Increased population, agriculture and climate change have created a problem of desertification.