Campaign begun to raise awareness of forest conservation
( 2003-07-13 11:40) (Xinhua)
Chinese forestry
authorities began a publicity campaign Saturday to encourage afforestation
and the conservation of forests.
Sponsors of the campaign, including the State Administration of Forestry and
five other government organs and institutions, will work with the country's
major news media to educate the public about forestry conservation.
The publicity, mainly through news coverage, will focus on nature reserves
around China, the protection of highly-endangered giant pandas, and the
construction of forest shelter belts in north China.
The campaign as an annual event was initiated four years ago, as part of
China's efforts to increase its forest coverage while guaranteeing the supply of
timber for rapid economic growth and rising living standards.
Afforestation and the conservation of forests were of great significance to
sustainable development, said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of
the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top
advisory body.
China's forest coverage ratio stands at 16.55 percent. The government is
aiming to increase it to 26 percent in 50 years.
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