Off the wire
• Xinhua summary of Asia-Pacific stocks news at 1100 GMT, March 11  • Mali's opposition differs with gov't over Algiers peace agreement  • Villarreal, Sevilla gear up for Europa League clash  • 1st LD-Writethru: China issues opinions to encourage mass entrepreneurship, innovation  • South China nuclear plant operates second unit  • Alonso aims return in F1 Malaysian GP  • Pakistani president embarks on four-day visit to Azerbaijan  • Ghana FA worried about match gambling in players  • China-trained doctors keep hope alive in Somalia hospital  • Bangladesh says to relocate nationals if Libya situation worsens further  
You are here: 　 Home

Beijing's forest coverage rate exceeds 40 percent

Xinhua, March 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

Forest coverage in Beijing is 41 percent by the end of last year, authorities said ahead of China's Tree Planting Day, which is on Thursday.

According to the Beijing Greening Committee, a total of 197 million trees have been planted in the capital city following a city resolution on tree planting in 1981. Nearly 88 percent of those trees have survived.

Over the past 34 years, more than 86 million people have been involved in compulsory tree planting campaigns.

By the end of 2014, nearly 47.4 percent of Beijing was covered by plants, with public green space per capita reaching 15.9 square meters, it said.

Beijing has earmarked 25 locations for tree planting this year, covering more than 2,200 mu (about 1467 hectares), and 865,000 trees will be available for adoption.

Beijing residents choose to plant trees to celebrate occasions such as wedding anniversaries, birthdays and university enrollment, said a spokesperson with Beijing Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry.

Forestation over the years has helped reduce sand storms in Beijing, which is battered by strong wind and sand. The city is also under pressure to improve its air quality. Endit