Forest coverage in China exceeds 25%, spearheading worldwide green growth
Since launching National Tree Planting Day on March 12, 1979, China has made significant advancements in afforestation and ecological restoration, particularly in recent years. This emphasizes the nation's commitment to green development and environmental sustainability.
TroibNews 
Since launching National Tree Planting Day on March 12, 1979, China has achieved significant milestones in afforestation and ecological restoration, particularly in recent years, highlighting its dedication to green development and environmental sustainability.
Emphasizing the idea that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" and establishing "dual carbon" goals, these initiatives have boosted China's forest coverage and enhanced ecological resilience, showcasing the country's leading role in global environmental protection.
In 2024, China planted 4.45 million hectares of trees, increasing the nation’s forest coverage to over 25 percent, with total forest stock volume surpassing 20 billion cubic meters. Cumulatively, China has afforested over 773 million hectares, making it the country with the largest increase in green coverage worldwide.
The proportion of days with good air quality across the nation reached 87.2 percent, while the percentage of surface water sections of good quality hit 90.4 percent. Additionally, 3.22 million hectares of grasslands were restored, and efforts addressed 2.78 million hectares of desertified and rocky desertification land. A "green belt" spanning over 3,000 kilometers now encircles the Taklimakan Desert in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwest China.
Initiated in 1978, the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, recognized as the world's largest afforestation project, aims to combat desertification in northwest, north, and northeast China. In recent years, the government has invested 32 billion yuan into this program, supporting 287 ecological projects and establishing 58 nursery bases. Approximately 3.8 million hectares of land were treated last year under this initiative, which is vital for stabilizing ecosystems in arid regions.
In addition to extensive afforestation efforts, regional ecological projects have also shown impressive outcomes. Over the past decade, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has made substantial strides in ecological restoration, with Beijing implementing over 13,000 hectares of afforestation, Tianjin over 300 hectares, and Hebei Province over 425,000 hectares. These initiatives have significantly reduced dust storms, improved air quality, and enhanced regional biodiversity.
China successfully completed ecological protection and restoration of over 5 million hectares of land in 2024. Beijing, Ninghe District in Tianjin, and seven other regions and cities in China were acknowledged as "Biodiversity Charming Cities" during the 8th Summit of Subnational Governments and Cities at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
By 2023, the country's annual carbon sink surpassed 1.2 billion tonnes, with over 200 cities earning the designation of "National Forest City." Moreover, village greenery coverage exceeds 32 percent, emphasizing the significance of afforestation in urban and rural landscapes alike.
China's afforestation strategies have transitioned from merely increasing forest coverage to optimizing tree species selection grounded in scientific research. This approach tailors afforestation efforts to local climate and soil conditions, thereby enhancing forest resilience and ecological stability. By prioritizing biodiversity, China has markedly improved forest quality, boosting its capacity to absorb carbon, prevent soil erosion, and conserve water resources.
Tree planting days are celebrated around the world, each country with its own traditions. In Japan, "Greenery Day" falls on May 4 and is a public holiday fostering nature appreciation and environmental awareness. Meanwhile, in the United States, individual states select their own dates for Arbor Day. These global celebrations reflect the universal acknowledgment of trees' vital role in environmental sustainability and demonstrate a shared vision for a greener future among nations.
China's ongoing commitment to afforestation not only enhances its environment but also contributes to global ecological conservation. As highlighted in the 2025 government work report, China is actively promoting the establishment of Beautiful China pilot zones, aiming to fulfill the public’s increasing expectations for a better ecological environment and a sustainable future.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
Emphasizing the idea that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" and establishing "dual carbon" goals, these initiatives have boosted China's forest coverage and enhanced ecological resilience, showcasing the country's leading role in global environmental protection.
In 2024, China planted 4.45 million hectares of trees, increasing the nation’s forest coverage to over 25 percent, with total forest stock volume surpassing 20 billion cubic meters. Cumulatively, China has afforested over 773 million hectares, making it the country with the largest increase in green coverage worldwide.
The proportion of days with good air quality across the nation reached 87.2 percent, while the percentage of surface water sections of good quality hit 90.4 percent. Additionally, 3.22 million hectares of grasslands were restored, and efforts addressed 2.78 million hectares of desertified and rocky desertification land. A "green belt" spanning over 3,000 kilometers now encircles the Taklimakan Desert in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwest China.
Initiated in 1978, the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, recognized as the world's largest afforestation project, aims to combat desertification in northwest, north, and northeast China. In recent years, the government has invested 32 billion yuan into this program, supporting 287 ecological projects and establishing 58 nursery bases. Approximately 3.8 million hectares of land were treated last year under this initiative, which is vital for stabilizing ecosystems in arid regions.
In addition to extensive afforestation efforts, regional ecological projects have also shown impressive outcomes. Over the past decade, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has made substantial strides in ecological restoration, with Beijing implementing over 13,000 hectares of afforestation, Tianjin over 300 hectares, and Hebei Province over 425,000 hectares. These initiatives have significantly reduced dust storms, improved air quality, and enhanced regional biodiversity.
China successfully completed ecological protection and restoration of over 5 million hectares of land in 2024. Beijing, Ninghe District in Tianjin, and seven other regions and cities in China were acknowledged as "Biodiversity Charming Cities" during the 8th Summit of Subnational Governments and Cities at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
By 2023, the country's annual carbon sink surpassed 1.2 billion tonnes, with over 200 cities earning the designation of "National Forest City." Moreover, village greenery coverage exceeds 32 percent, emphasizing the significance of afforestation in urban and rural landscapes alike.
China's afforestation strategies have transitioned from merely increasing forest coverage to optimizing tree species selection grounded in scientific research. This approach tailors afforestation efforts to local climate and soil conditions, thereby enhancing forest resilience and ecological stability. By prioritizing biodiversity, China has markedly improved forest quality, boosting its capacity to absorb carbon, prevent soil erosion, and conserve water resources.
Tree planting days are celebrated around the world, each country with its own traditions. In Japan, "Greenery Day" falls on May 4 and is a public holiday fostering nature appreciation and environmental awareness. Meanwhile, in the United States, individual states select their own dates for Arbor Day. These global celebrations reflect the universal acknowledgment of trees' vital role in environmental sustainability and demonstrate a shared vision for a greener future among nations.
China's ongoing commitment to afforestation not only enhances its environment but also contributes to global ecological conservation. As highlighted in the 2025 government work report, China is actively promoting the establishment of Beautiful China pilot zones, aiming to fulfill the public’s increasing expectations for a better ecological environment and a sustainable future.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
Find more stories on the environment and climate change on TROIB/Planet Health
