BEIJING: China has made significant progress in environmental conservation and restoration over the past years, implementing integrated programmes to regenerate mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts across the country, said the Ministry of Natural Resources on Monday.
Speaking at the first National Forum on Natural Resources and Ecological Civilization in Anji, Zhejiang province on 4th December, Minister Wang Guanghua highlighted the achievements made under national land use planning initiatives. Over 5.3 million hectares have undergone treatment through ecological restoration projects, according to China Daily reports.
Moreover, to develop a new balanced and sustainable land utilization pattern, China has outlined ecological conservation red lines covering 3.19 million km2 of land and sea, while identifying 124.3 million hectares of arable land as a food security safeguard.
Afforestation efforts have also seen immense progress, with forest coverage rising from 12 percent in
the 1980s to 24.02 percent currently through the planting of trees across 72 million hectares. In tandem, the area affected by desertification and sandy lands has considerably reduced.
According to Minister Wang, China’s ecological initiatives have contributed to one-fourth of newly added green areas globally, displaying the country’s commitment to environmental preservation. The comprehensive results are hard-won achievements signalling positive momentum for the nation to build an ecological civilization.
Source: Emirates News Agency