ORDOS, Inner Mongolia - The Chinese government will speed up the development of clean energy and eco-tourism in its spacious desert areas as part of its battle to find innovative and sustainable ways to fight desertification, a senior official said on Saturday.

According to statistics from the State Forestry Administration, about 2.6 million square kilometers are covered in sand, which is more than a quarter of China's total landmass.

Despite their appearance, deserts can be full of resources and China should adopt an integrated approach in which it combines ecological improvement with the cultivation of emerging industries, said State Councilor Liu Yandong, who delivered a keynote speech at the Kubuqi International Desert Forum.