The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was recognized as China's first national forest park in 1982. The park's unique geographical features and diverse flora and fauna have made it one of the most well-known scenic spots to visit. The theme of this year's International Day of Forests is "forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being." Setting up national forest parks can provide environmental education to the public and demonstrate good environmental practices.

By February 2019, 897 national forest parks were existence all over the country. These oxygen bars not only are well protected but also have expanded, thanks to China's green projects.

Saihanba National Forest Park is one of the 28 national forest parks in north China's Heibei Province. The forest coverage rate in Saihanba has improved from 11.4 percent in 1962 to 80 percent, thanks to years of restoration. The park is often called "the Green Lung of north China" and has become the largest man-made forest park in China.

Under China's 14th Five-Year Plan, forest coverage is expected to increase from 23.4 percent in 2020 to 24.1 percent.

Forests are not merely trees. They are the home of 80 percent of the world's terrestrial biodiversity. The battle to conquer global climate change and eliminate the biodiversity crises is the one the world cannot afford to lose.

(All images via CFP.)

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