China Cuts Timber Production to Protect ForestsDue to a series of important projects designed to protect the forests, China has gradually cut timber production in recent years. According to the State Forestry Bureau, by the year 2010, China will decrease timber production, primarily trees with wide diameters, by 6 million cubic meters annually.Timber production in 1999 was 53.26 million cubic meters, a decrease of 12.2% from 1998. This year, wood material production is planned to decrease by 6.54 million cubic meters. Many state-owned forests in the northeastern regions and Inner Mongolia are accelerating their reforms, transfer surplus workers and develop non-forestry industries. Meanwhile, a compensation fund system will also be established to make up for the losses owners and businesses incur. About 300,000 workers have been shifted to other jobs so far. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |