China continues to make significant progress in grassland restoration across the country. Every year, over 46 million mu of land—about 30,667 square kilometers—is being restored. This area equals the size of Belgium, showing the scale of the effort.
At a recent press conference, Li Yongjun from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration highlighted key achievements. He revealed that the central government has invested 110 billion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. This investment, roughly 15.26 billion U.S. dollars, supports a wide range of grassland restoration projects.
In addition, Chinese authorities have cracked down on illegal activities that harm grasslands. Since 2018, local officials have investigated about 50,000 cases related to grassland destruction. They have also transferred over 1,000 suspected criminal cases to judicial authorities. These actions show the country’s firm stance on protecting its fragile ecosystems.
Thanks to continued grassland restoration, China has seen a major ecological turnaround. In the early 2000s, grasslands faced widespread degradation. Today, officials report an “overall improvement” in ecological quality. However, challenges still remain.
Li Yongjun stressed that around 70 percent of China’s grasslands still suffer from varying degrees of degradation. Most grasslands are in areas with harsh climates—cold, dry, high-altitude, or semi-arid regions. These natural challenges make grassland restoration more complex and demanding.
Moving forward, China plans to expand its efforts in grassland restoration. Forestry and grassland departments will boost governance systems and improve restoration methods. These actions aim to modernize management and increase long-term success.
Through persistent action, China hopes to reverse past damage and restore grassland ecosystems. Grassland restoration remains a key priority for the nation’s environmental future.
