Mercedes-Benz Star Fund announced on Thursday that it will step up cooperation with institutions such as the Dunhuang Academy China to bolster the protection and sustainable development of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu province.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site Mogao Grottoes is well-known for its exquisite murals and colorful sculptures. However, located on the edge of the desert, the caves have been eroded by wind and sandstorms over time.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the new cooperation project will last for three years. In addition to existing cultural heritage protection and traditional culture education for young people, efforts will be increased on academic research, personnel training and environmental protection of surrounding areas.

"Mogao Grottoes today is faced with many challenges in protection and utilization. Our upgraded cooperation will further assist cultural relic protection and the exploration of Dunhuang culture," said Zhao Shengliang, head of the Dunhuang Academy China.

The fund has supported renovation in several caves and the construction of protective facilities such as glass screens, according to Mercedes-Benz.

More than 600 students from Gansu have been offered study tours of the Mogao Grottoes in the past two years.

The fund will help to launch a sandstorm prevention project in the next three years to improve the surrounding environment of the Mogao Grottoes, said Mercedes-Benz.

The cooperation will also explore how to use digital and interactive technologies to realize digital visualization of ancient buildings depicted in murals.