Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Alshaa League in Inner Mongolia has firmly practiced the concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”. It has prioritized the construction of ecological security barriers, and integrated ecological protection into all aspects of economic and social development. The concept of green development has gained popular support.
The Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve has expanded its area from 34,533 hectares to 38,800 hectares. The forest coverage rate has also risen from 51 percent to 57.3 percent, while the number of mountain streams has increased from 13 to 21. These positive developments have led to a significant growth in the population of several wild animals such as blue sheep, red deer, and snow leopards.
Up to now, the total afforestation area of Alshaa Left Banner has reached 417,333 hectares, including 33,200 hectares of the desert ginseng, 12,700 hectares of the Suoyang plantation, and 394,000 hectates of afforestation by aerial seeding. Its forestry area has reached over 1 million hectaces, with the forest coverage rate having increased to 12.5 percent and the forest stock volume to 2.99 million cu m.