Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken part in a voluntary tree-planting activity held in Beijing. During the event on March 30 (Monday), he emphasized that while everyone has the right to enjoy a beautiful natural environment, its protection and development also require collective efforts. He called on the public to actively participate in afforestation initiatives to further strengthen the foundations of “Chinese-style modernization.”
While interacting with officials and members of the public, President Xi noted that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the country has witnessed a significant increase in forest coverage and tree resources. At the same time, the extent of deserts and sandy lands has steadily declined. China, he said, has now emerged as one of the fastest greening countries in the world. He also highlighted that recently introduced environmental legislation has further reinforced the legal framework for building a “Beautiful China.” Tree planting, he stressed, is a vital public welfare endeavor and must be carried out with dedication and care.
President Xi also pointed out that the current year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, as well as the 45th anniversary of China’s national voluntary tree-planting campaign. In light of new challenges and opportunities, he underscored the need to enhance the quality of afforestation, create new employment opportunities, and prioritize public well-being. Equal importance, he said, must be given to both planting trees and ensuring their proper care, in order to foster a sustainable coexistence between humanity and nature.
He further instructed that afforestation efforts should be tailored to local conditions, ensuring the right use of land resources. Trees should be planted where they can thrive, and grass where it is more suitable. He also called for modern management practices to protect forests and grasslands, including safeguards against fires and pest infestations.
Finally, President Xi stressed the importance of deriving economic value from natural resources in a sustainable manner, ensuring that environmental protection goes hand in hand with economic benefits from forest-based industries. He added that urban and rural greening efforts should be designed so that people can easily access and enjoy green spaces, directly benefiting from ecological progress.
Source: Shuiei-Touhid-Jinia, China Media Group.