PR91286

BEIJING, Aug. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday visited Saihanba Forest Farm in north

China's Hebei Province. Three generations of tree planters' unremitting efforts

have turned the once vast barren land into the world's largest man-made forest.

During his visit, President Xi listened to the work report by the local

government in coordinating the protection and restoration of mountains, rivers,

forests, farmland, lakes and grass, indicating that green development will be

elevated to a higher position in the country's modernization drive.

Covering an area of about 93,000 hectares, Saihanba almost became a wasteland

in the 1950s due to rampant tree felling operations, which also caused sand

storms threatening Beijing and adjacent regions.

In 1962, hundreds of foresters embarked on tree planting in Saihanba to change

the tide of rapid desertification. After three generations' hard efforts, the

forest coverage has increased from 11.4 percent to 80 percent, currently

supplying some 137 million cubic meters of clean water to the Chinese capital.

During the ceremonies honoring those who have contributed to the victory

against extreme poverty, Saihanba Forest Farm was conferred the national title

of role model. It also won the 2017 Champions of the Earth award, the highest

honor of its kind by the United Nations.

Xi talked to some foresters, inspected the growth of trees, and listened to the

introduction of farm's efforts in carrying forward the Saihanba spirit and

promoting high-quality development. Saihanba has become a symbol of the Chinese

spirit of hard work and a vivid example of eco-civilization.

Eco-friendly growth pattern

Despite increasing downward pressure over the years, China has been steadfast

in resisting the old ways of economic expansion, and their severe impact on the

environment. To this end, the top leadership has repeatedly underscored a key

development approach as Xi had vividly put as "lucid waters and lush mountains

are invaluable assets."

In June, the General Office of the State Council issued a guideline for

adopting scientific measures as part of China's afforestation efforts to

fundamentally improve the country's natural environment.

It urges efforts to grow trees and grass following the inherent rules of the

ecosystem to improve the stability of the ecosystem and its capacity for

self-repair.

Xi has paid great attention to adopting a scientific approach to China's

high-quality land greening and has on many occasions called for more efforts in

promoting afforestation and protecting forest resources.

According to forestry and grassland authorities, China has successfully halted

the expansion of desertification, with the desertification area shrinking by an

annual average of 2,424 square kilometers.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-08-24/President-Xi-inspects-forest-farm-in-Hebei-Province-12YMORjQ9yM/index.html

Soure: CGTN