Greening China Naturally

Shixiong Cao; Ge Sun; Zhiqiang Zhang; Liding Che; Qi Feng; et. al.

Treesearch

Greening China Naturally

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Shixiong Cao, Ge Sun, Zhiqiang Zhang, Liding Che, Qi Feng, et. al.

Year:

2011

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

AMBIO 40:828–831.

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Download (PDF 60 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/39726.pdf

Abstract

China leads the world in afforestation, and is one of the few countries whose forested area is increasing. However, this massive “greening” effort has been less effective than expected; afforestation has sometimes produced unintended environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic consequences, and has failed to achieve the desired ecological benefits. Where afforestation has succeeded, the approach was tailored to local environmental conditions. Using the right plant species or species composition for the site and considering alternatives such as grassland restoration have been important success factors. To expand this success, government policy should shift from a forest-based approach to a results-based approach. In addition, long-term monitoring must be implemented to provide the data needed to develop a cost-effective, scientifically informed restoration policy.

Keywords

Afforestation policy, Environmental degradation, Evironmental restoration, Reforestation, Sustainable development

Citation

Cao, Shixiong; Sun, Ge; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Chen, Liding; Feng, Qi; et.al. 2011. Greening China Naturally. AMBIO 40:828–831.