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    China's National Forest Protection Project: A Path to Greener Lands

    Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
    Posted on: June 25, 2020 |

    Visitors at the Hefei Wetland Forest Park in Anhui Province

    The National Forest Protection Project (NFPP) is one of the world’s largest ecological rehabilitation projects. It is a major initiative taken by the Government of China to mitigate some of the environmental damage that occurs through rapid economic advancements, by implementing strict yet creative policies on large scale conservation. It has been massively successful and has been working to meet international standards for conservation, such as those carried out by the World Bank.

    China covers some of the most diverse climates in the world, and about 10% of all species on Earth live there. According to reports from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, in 2016 China’s natural forest reached 1.8 billion hectares, covering 212 natural types of forest. Unfortunately, due to population growth, economic development and policy failures, the late 90’s saw a sharp drop in biodiversity and soil erosion as well as a rise in desertification.

    Severe floods hit areas of North-West China as a direct result of deforestation and soil erosion in the area.The NFPP began in 1998, initially focusing on tree plantation in state-owned forests along the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Inner Mongolia. But in light of the rapid decline in biodiversity and the impending threats of natural disasters, the Government of China pledged to expand conservation efforts beyond tree plantation, through rigorous conservation laws and programs. These included the establishment of protected areas, replanting of trees, animal rescue centers, and more.

    Sanjiangyuan National Park, the first national park in the Qinghai province

    So far, this initiative has been incredibly successful for the environment, the economy, and society. It covers the forest bureaus of 17 provinces, 12 forest enterprises, and 4 forest farms in Xinjiang. Due to conservation efforts, the forest volume rose by over 1.109 billion cubic meters and over 650,000 forestry workers. China is well on its way to fulfill its pledge of adding 4.5 billion cubic meters of forests by 2030.

    A man-made forest in Makit county, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (ZHANG GUIGUI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

    One of the reasons for its wide-scale success is the fact that it is community-driven and participatory. The state-owned forestry bureaus in the most sensitive protected areas receive a subsidy of 15 million yuan annually to sustain their operation. NFPP relies heavily on local government participation, which has been beneficial in two ways. On one hand, the local governments are given a lot of responsibility and feel ownership of the project, and on the other, the national government is more effective in poverty alleviation programs.

    Desert Plantation in the Hengshan District of the Shaanxi Province (Xinhua)

    For example, the region of Xinjiang has seen considerable forestation efforts. The once small oasis around the vast Taklimakan desert era has now increased in size. This is thanks to the efforts of generations of workers, and scientific innovations in forestry and water management. Rare animals like the Tarim Red Deer of the Tianshan scenic area have also increased in numbers due to strict wildlife conservation efforts and initiatives like NFPP.

    Tarim Red Deer

    Then there are more challenging aspects like updating industries, which cause environmental damage. For instance, a considerable amount of China’s economy comes from wood and wood-based products like paper. Since logging within natural forests has been completely banned, there have been significant changes to the logging industry. The biggest challenge is to transition those who were participating in unsustainable forest practices to more environmentally friendly jobs, like working with NFPP. However, time and close monitoring will confirm how successful these operations will be in the long run.

    A Government Issued Cartoon that says, "Stop Logging"

    Such nationwide forestation initiatives serve as interesting blueprints for other countries to take environmental issues seriously. While this is a long-term plan, it is already showing signs of progress in terms of its socio-economic benefits. In light of the challenge of climate change crisis, it is important that a country as large as China, which is also home to the largest population in the world is making active efforts to save its forest and wildlife.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021