Forest protection vital in development
( 2001-06-13 00:04 ) (9 )

Premier Zhu Rongji Tuesday called for increased efforts to turn excess farmland into forest as part of the country's ongoing development of its western region.

Efforts should be increased to protect natural forests in western areas, which have been recklessly cut down causing significant environmental damage, Zhu said during his current inspection tour of Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

In 1999, the Chinese Government began its campaign to develop its western areas which include 12 provinces and regions, which are the cradles of the main rivers of the country.

Many of the nation's poverty-stricken people live in the western areas and rely on cutting down trees for money and fuel.

Zhu said Sichuan had taken the lead in the country's campaign to protect natural forests and turn farmland into forest.

The province's natural forests have been officially declared reserves and former lumbermen have become tree planters.

Zhu asked governments at various levels to assist the State's policy.

He said grain supplies and compensation should be given to farmers who convert farmland into forest.

Farmers should also be trained to plant trees and develop sustainable forest industries.

More efforts will be made to develop small and middle-sized hydroelectric stations and methane-powered stations to meet the demand for fuel.

The tourism industry will also be supported to encourage locals to invest more funds in protecting forests.