Xi calls for reinforcing N China's ecological barrier

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for long-term input and an innovative approach to consolidate and develop the green ecological barrier in north China.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks as he put forward instructions on the construction of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program.

"The program is a major ecological project implemented together with the reform and opening-up drive, and a signature project in building an ecological civilization," Xi said.

Thanks to unremitting efforts made over the past 40 years, the program has generated significant ecological, economic and social benefits, and become a successful model in international ecological management, Xi said.

However, the president warned that the ecological system in the Three-North regions (the northeastern, northern and northwestern regions) remain fragile, saying continued efforts in promoting the program would not only boost regional sustainable development, but also the sustainable development of the Chinese nation.

Premier Li Keqiang made written instructions, calling for continued efforts to push forward the program while making overall consideration for demand and factors such as water resource carrying capacity.

Efforts should be made to combine promoting the program with the country's rural vitalization strategy and combat poverty in order to enhance afforestation while increasing locals' income and build a more solid ecological barrier for sustainable development, Li said.

A meeting about the program was convened in Beijing Friday, giving awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the program.

Vice Premier Han Zheng said at the meeting that construction of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program still faced difficulties and challenges. He called for greater efforts to protect the ecological environment, promote high-quality development of the program and consolidate the green ecological barrier.

Han also called on local governments to learn from the spirit of Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program and strengthen protection of natural ecological system.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency