China makes headway in ecological restoration, reviving over 6.7 mln hectares of nature

China has made significant strides in ecological conservation in recent years, restoring over 100 million mu (about 6.7 million hectares) of degraded ecosystems including mountains, forests, farmlands, lakes and deserts.

With August 15 marking National Ecology Day, the country has initiated over 52 ecosystem protection and restoration projects, according to data from the Ministry of Natural Resources. This monumental effort underscores the country's dedication to combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity.

As eco-environmental conservation red lines (ECRLs) are the lifeline of environmental preservation, China has brought exceedingly fragile areas, and areas of potentially vital environmental value within the scope of the ECRL framework.

Through drawing ECRLs and drafting ecological protection and restoration plans, the country has consolidated an overall eco-environmental conservation configuration composed of Three Eco-zones and Four Shelterbelts - the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Eco-zone, the Yellow River Eco-zone (including the Loess Plateau Ecological Barrier), the Yangtze River Eco-zone (including the Sichuan-Yunnan Ecological Barrier), and the Northeast, North, South, and Coastal Shelterbelts.

With the development of the national system of ecological security and the launch of major projects to restore key ecosystems, China's Shan-Shui Initiative comprising dozens of large-scale initiatives to restore ecosystems was honored as part of the UN's first batch of 10 World Restoration Flagships.

"Since 2016, China has witnessed notable progress in ecological conservation by restoring over 100 million mu of major ecosystems, 4.8 million mu of abandoned mining areas, nearly 1,680 kilometers of coastline and over 750,000 mu of coastal wetlands. The country's mangrove forests have expanded to about 450,000 mu," said Lu Lihua, deputy director of the Department of Territorial and Spatial Ecological Restoration with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

For the next steps, the ministry will step up efforts to further improve the integrated conservation and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts.

China makes headway in ecological restoration, reviving over 6.7 mln hectares of nature

China makes headway in ecological restoration, reviving over 6.7 mln hectares of nature

China makes headway in ecological restoration, reviving over 6.7 mln hectares of nature

China makes headway in ecological restoration, reviving over 6.7 mln hectares of nature

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt marked Eid al-Fitr, a celebration traditionally filled with family gatherings, with profound sorrow over their separation from loved ones in the Gaza Strip.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar. It is typically a time for joyous family reunions across the Muslim world.

However, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Egypt spent Eid al-Fitr without the embrace of family this year.

Naema Alsoury, one of the many Palestinians who fled the war in Gaza seeking medical treatment in Egypt, reflected on the painful reality of her situation.

Her young son, who has suffered from eye cancer since he was four months old, requires constant care. As a mother of five, Naema Alsoury managed to bring four of her children to Egypt, while her eldest son and husband remained behind in Gaza.

"Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is beautiful but only for those with a clear mind. I woke up happy that the kids are excited to celebrate Eid. But as I saw cars with families going for the prayer-- husbands and wives together and families, I thought I can't hug my son or husband. I can't be truly happy during Eid. This is my third Eid here without my mother, my sister and my brothers. What Eid al-Fitr is that? I live in fear, because no one knows the fate of those in Gaza -- who will live and who will die," said Naema Alsoury.

Recently, one of Naema Alsoury's uncles, along with some other family members, managed to reach Egypt for medical treatment. Her nephew spoke of the stark differences in living conditions between Egypt and Gaza.

"My nephew pointed out to me the differences between Egypt and Gaza. I may have not paid attention to that. I was talking to them via video call. He told his mother, they have electricity. Their TV is on. They can charge their mobile phone anytime. We can go to the toilet any time and there is always water there. We don't have that in Gaza now," said Naema Alsoury.

Egyptians across many cities have used the annual Eid al-Fitr Prayer gathering to support Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

"Eid this year and the year before has been different because we are very sad about what's happening to our Palestinian Brothers, that they are getting forced to leave their land. They are facing injustice. As Egyptians we support our President's calls to reject displacement, they are our Arab brothers. We support them," said Islam El Hawary, an Egyptian citizen.

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt mark Eid al-Fitr amid heartache, separation from family