Inner Mongolia expands forest coverage

An aerial view of a forest in the Greater Hinggan Mountains in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/IC]

According to local authorities, the forested area in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region has increased from 373 million mu (24.87 million hectares) in 2013 to 392 million mu today. The percentage of land covered by forest has increased from 21.03 percent to 22.10 percent.

Protecting the environment in Inner Mongolia is a priority of the government. Key national projects such as the "Three-North Shelterbelt Program" (TNSP), preventing dust storms that affect the Beijing-Tianjin area, turning reclaimed farmland into forests, and protecting natural forests have been pursued in the region.

In recent years, Inner Mongolia has been engaging in large-scale afforestation, completing more than 10 million mu each year and accounting for about one-ninth of all environmental development goals.

The region is also working to reign in desertification by carrying out special treatments in key areas of Hunshandake and Ujimchin. In 2018, 12.7 million mu of land in the region was treated to prevent desertification.

On April 1, 2015, the region completely stopped commercial forest harvesting, reducing the annual timber harvest by 1,512,000 cubic meters. Full protection for natural forest resources has been achieved.

After years of strict environmental management, Inner Mongolia has been able to increase forest and grassland coverage and slow down desertification.