China Maps out Strategy for National AfforestationChina will step up its afforestation efforts by dividing the country into four regions, according to a senior Chinese forestry official.The first region covers more than 700 counties in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River, a region that has the most serious soil erosion in China, said Zhou Shengxian, deputy-director of the State Forestry Administration on Thursday. Efforts in the region will focus on the ongoing afforestation projects along the upper reaches of the Yangtze, and the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow, the two longest rivers in China, he said. The second region includes over 400 counties in the arid and sandy areas of northwestern, northern, and northeastern China. The major task for the region is to protect natural forests and make forests to prevent desertification. He said that the third region covers the natural forests in northeastern China and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region where efforts will center on protecting natural forests and reduce limber production. The fourth region covers all areas outside the above three regions, he said, adding that apart from afforestation, planting trees for commercial purposes will also be an important task for this region. |
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