China Reports Progress in Grassland Conservation Amidst Shrinking Areas

China's grasslands have experienced a concerning decline, shrinking by an average of 3.3 million hectares each year since 2021, as reported by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. This data was released following a national conference focused on reforming grassland conservation and development pilot zones.

Despite the shrinking grasslands, the administration noted a significant improvement in the ecological quality of China's grasslands during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The overall vegetation coverage across the country has remained stable, exceeding 50 percent. Annual fresh grass production has also been substantial, exceeding 600 million metric tons.

This progress is attributed to various measures implemented to strengthen grassland conservation. The nation has increased its capacity for grassland protection, identifying nearly 30,000 cases of grassland damage since 2021. A campaign targeting overgrazing has led to a gradual decrease in livestock overgrazing rates in key provinces and regions, allowing grasslands to recover.

Furthermore, the restoration of grasslands has accelerated, with an average of almost 2.7 million hectares being restored annually. The expansion of grass seed production has also contributed to these positive developments. The total area of grass seed breeding bases has reached 40,000 hectares, and the supply capacity for perennial ecological grass seeds has increased to 25,000 tons, effectively addressing the issue of insufficient grass seed supply.