China has basically curbed the trend of grassland degradation, thanks to initiatives aimed at restoring and managing grasslands, said an official on Tuesday.
The country has made remarkable achievements in increasing grassland areas and enhancing grassland productivity, according to Li Yongjun, director of the grassland management department under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
"Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the central government has invested a total of 110 billion yuan (about 15 billion U.S. dollars) in grassland protection and restoration. The investment has led to the annual restoration of more than 3.067 million hectares of degraded grassland, while preventing rodent and pest damage over an area exceeding 6.6 million hectares. The total output of fresh grass has surpassed 550 million tons," said Li at a press conference.
The grassland areas in northeast, north, and northwest China cover 147 million hectares, serving as an important ecological security barrier in northern China. Through the promotion of the integrated conservation and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts, the ecological quality of grasslands in the region has seen continuing improvement.
Various regions across China have also accelerated efforts to transform traditional methods of grassland animal husbandry. This includes enhancing artificial grass planting, enforcing grazing bans, and implementing systems that balance grass and livestock, all aimed at restoring the grassland ecosystem.
"We are committed to actively innovating new models for grassland protection and utilization, tapping the potential for grassland eco-tourism, nature education, and the development of grassland-specific ecological industries, as well as carrying out pilot projects for the establishment of 39 national grassland parks and 18 state-owned grasslands," said Li.
China basically curbs trend of grassland degradation: official
