Expanding Forests, Restoring Land, and Protecting the Environment

A Comprehensive Overview

China's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development was evident in its extensive greening efforts throughout 2024. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration reported a significant increase in afforestation and land restoration, contributing to a greener and healthier environment.

A total of 4.446 million hectares of forest were planted across the country, exceeding the previous year's figure. This expansion contributed to a national forest coverage rate surpassing 25 percent, with a total forest stock volume exceeding 20 billion cubic meters.

Efforts to restore degraded land also yielded impressive results. Approximately 3.224 million hectares of degraded grassland were restored, while 2.783 million hectares of sandy and stony land were treated. These initiatives aimed to combat desertification and improve the overall ecological balance.

Greening efforts extended beyond forests and grasslands, encompassing urban and rural areas. Over 6,200 pocket parks were built around urban areas, while more than 7,300 kilometers of green belts were constructed within cities. Additionally, farmland shelterbelt networks were established to enhance the rural living environment.

Greening initiatives also extended to transportation infrastructure. Over 50,000 kilometers of highways were greened, while the nationwide railway greening rate reached 85.9 percent. These efforts aimed to improve the aesthetics and ecological value of transportation corridors.

China continued its commitment to protecting and restoring ecosystems. Twenty-seven projects focused on holistic protection and land restoration were promoted during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, resulting in the ecological restoration of over 5 million hectares of land.

As part of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, a large-scale afforestation project covering nearly half of China's land area, approximately 3.80 million hectares of sandy and stony land were rehabilitated. This initiative aimed to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management in arid and semi-arid regions.

China's greening efforts hold significant global importance, contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting biodiversity conservation. The country's commitment to environmental protection serves as an inspiration for other nations to adopt similar initiatives.