China sets forth objectives for ecological construction in west

The Ministry of Science and Technology and State Administration of Environmental Protection jointly released results of a comprehensive assessment program for west China's ecological system, which sets forth objectives for ecological construction in west China in next 50 years.

The report listed ecological healing as the key issue in ecological construction in west China. To realize ecological optimization, factitious damage should first be checked before construction in key areas can start. The ecological construction in west China in future 50 years consists of three phases:

In Phase I, 2010 to 2015, China will strive to check the deteriorating ecological and environmental situation in west by putting increased investment in basic infrastructure and ecological construction. Preliminary effect will be seen in key areas in upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River and Yangtze River and seriously damaged grasslands; big improvement will be made at the Yellow Earth Plateau; oasis in northwest China will get preliminary recovery.

During 2016 to 2030, the second phase, great achievement will be attained in the work to improve ecological environment in the northwest. Water and soil erosion and land desertification will be tackled; apparent improvement is to be made in ecological environment at the Yellow Earth Plateau, the Talim River and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The ecological environment of the southwest will goes back to track of healthy development.

In phase III, 2031 to 2050, areas fit for ecological treatment in northwest will be treated completely, the vegetation coverage rate there is to reach or approach historical high level; an vegetation system capable of preventing water and soil erosion and landdesertification will be put up and goals set in the plan for ecological and environmental construction are to be achieved basically.

Launched in June 2001, the comprehensive assessment program for ecological system in west China is an important component of the "Millennium Ecosystem Assessment" program and one of five sub-global assessment programs in the world. China will eventually launch assessment program for ecological system nationwide.

By People's Daily Online