Bama's optimized eco-environment contributes to economic development

Over the years, Hechi's Bama Yao autonomous county has insisted on protecting the ecological environment, building an ecological civilization, and realizing ecological security. The continuously optimized eco-environment has become the driving force for promoting the high-quality economic and social development of the county.

The county carries out various forms of afforestation and greening efforts. In 2015, the county's forest coverage rate was 70.65 percent, and the rate increased to 79.19 percent in 2021, with a growth of 8.54 percentage points. The ecological quality of vegetation ranks the country at the forefront of Guangxi, granting it the title of "National Green Model Unit".

The county develops under-forest industries to promote rural revitalization. The planting varieties in the area include grass coral, Guangfoshou, shiitake mushrooms, and golden camellia, and the breeding varieties include chickens, pigs, cattle, sheep and bees. In 2021, the county developed 715,000 mu (47,667 hectares) of under-forest economic area, with an output value of 770 million yuan ($121 million), providing 72,000 people with jobs in under-forest industries.

The tree-lined Cifu Lake Healthcare Town. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

In addition, the county has built a number of rural eco-tourism demonstration sites such as Pona Resort in Jiazhuan town and Pinglin Renshou Cultural Source Resort with the help of a good ecological environment, which has promoted the economic and social development of Bama. At present, the county has 20 forest health care bases, with an annual reception of 600,000 people, as well as 10 farmhouses, with an annual reception of 100,000 people.