New Monitoring Methods and Carbon Sink Trading Drive Progress

China Makes Strides in Combating Soil Erosion

China witnessed a significant improvement in soil erosion conditions in 2023, with the total affected area shrinking by nearly 1%. This positive development marks a crucial step in the country's ongoing efforts to address this environmental challenge.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, the total area affected by soil erosion decreased by almost 26,000 square kilometers, bringing the total affected area to 2.6 million square kilometers. This reduction is attributed to a decline in erosion severity, with the proportion of areas experiencing moderate or severe soil erosion dropping by 0.28 percentage points to 34.26%.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region emerged as a frontrunner in tackling soil erosion, with its affected area shrinking by an impressive 2.48%. This progress surpasses the national average by more than 2.5 times. Notably, most of the improvements occurred in the basins of China's seven major rivers, including the Yangtze and Yellow. These basins accounted for over 73% of the total reduction in erosion-affected areas and nearly 91% of the decline in areas with moderate or severe erosion.

The Ministry of Water Resources credits the improvement to strengthened oversight of activities that could trigger erosion. Advances in monitoring methods, including satellite remote sensing, credit-based supervision, and internet-based surveillance, have played a crucial role in detecting and identifying illegal activities contributing to soil erosion. These efforts have significantly enhanced the precision and effectiveness of supervision.

Furthermore, the incidence of soil erosion in areas disturbed by human activity fell to 46.65%, a remarkable decline of 31 percentage points from 2019. This progress highlights the effectiveness of the implemented measures in mitigating human-induced erosion.

Looking ahead, authorities are exploring the potential of carbon sink trading as a funding source for conservation efforts. This innovative approach aligns with China's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. The first transaction of a carbon sink in the Luodi River basin in Changting county, Fujian province, demonstrates the viability of this mechanism. The proceeds from this transaction will be directed towards water and soil conservation and ecological restoration in the basin.

Carbon sink trading offers a promising avenue for attracting private investment into conservation efforts, providing a clearer economic incentive for individuals, companies, and organizations engaged in water and soil conservation. This approach holds the potential to significantly enhance the financial resources available for tackling soil erosion and promoting environmental sustainability.