45 years on, China's Great Green Wall continues to grow

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Forest coverage has grown to 13.84 percent today from 5.05 percent in 1978 in areas where China's Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), or Great Green Wall, was implemented. The TSFP was launched in 1978 and is the world's largest forestry ecological project, which consists of forestation in 13 provinces in northwest, north and northeast China. Over the past 45 years, more than 32 million hectares of windbreak trees have been planted, over 85 million hectares of degraded grassland have been recovered and more than 33 million hectares of desertified land have been fixed.

[catonpillow]

Good job Сhina! The world is literally a greener place than it was 20 years ago and data from NASA satellites clearly shows that the source for much of this new foliage is none other but China. And, together with India's new farms, China's newly planted forestry account for one-third of the world greening. Indeed, China’s contribution to the global greening comes in large part (42%) from its programs to conserve and expand forests which were developed in an effort to reduce the effects of soil erosion, air pollution and climate change. China has planted more than 66 billion trees since 1978 and continue expanding on that program.

[davidlazarus]

China now needs to diversify the trees in those forests. This will create a more stable ecosystem. At the moment a single pathogen could destroy entire forests. Having different trees would also be very beneficial to wildlife, as they attract different species to those areas. For example randomly throughout the forest harvest a tree but leave a large share of its trunk as dead fall. These will attract certain species which can help the forest overall. Recreate a traditional old forest diversity. Allowing different trees to sprout which widens the numbers of species. This will also encourage plants below the gaps in the tree line. This creates more cover for other animals near the ground.

[raclark]

Well done, and good to see faming and locals being included. ♥🌳👍

[johnchurch]

Beautiful Isn't amazing having the right attitude and inspiration to do such a good thing for the Planet. Well done Chinese people.

[wyldcardmusic]

This is great but the first thing I saw was that it was monocultural and not biodiverse. I know this method is a lot more efficient and economically sound but they could have crafted a much more healthy environment.

[olowrohek]

Amazing 👏 well done
We did in Poland from 20% till 30 % Forest last 70 years.
Save the Forest please 🙏

[p.dharmarao]

In the name of development, deforestation is done by many countries, but china is doing fentastic job to improve greenery and balancing eco system, mother earth will appreciate your efforts

[StillAliveAndKicking_]

What the Chinese state broadcaster does not mention is that the deserts are expanding by several thousand square km each year. And planting non native monocultures of trees might be bad or non ideal. Native shrubs and grasses would soak up less scarce water and survive better. Still, that they are tackling this is good, and hopefully it is beneficial in the long term.

[appa]

I increasingly feel like China is the only country capable of doing anything big. This one project represents basically 90% of the reforestation in the world.

[jameshara]

China has been making great improvements in the ecological system! Unprecedented in the history of mankind!

[florianwasimbu]

China has really show us they can rule the world better in all aspects. Congratulations Beijing

[uggali]

Needs enrichment planting. Absent species should be reintroduced over time as a canopy is created by the pioneer species. Species that support different animals throughout the seasons will enhance and speed up natural regeneration

[RaymondLi]

🌲 Great green growing walls of China 💚

[alihanaydogdu]

Be sure that these trees aren't fake or painted.

[Visiongamers]

China you are the great country in the world👍👍👍👍

[amanwarsi]

You hate or love china, is upto you, but china is putting in great efforts in terms of improving the environment. And we all must appreciate that 🙏

[nd]

Same kind of tree is not a forest its tree forming .

[noahway]

Those videos at the beginning--- of all the lush vegetation and rolling hills are definitely not in China. Show me on Google Maps where this is.

[JS-jhcy]

Now its ready for firewood, paper and lumber

[Vassilyev]

I proud of China. Now it's obvious that it is a great nation and country