Executive Summary

China faces immense environmental damage related to loss of vegetation. Natural vegetation contributes to water supply, prevention of flooding, drought, soil erosion and desertification, moderation of local and global climate, protection against damage from wild fire, storms and pest outbreaks, pollution control, conservation of biodiversity resources and renewable energy. Economic assessments, which can give only a partial valuation of these ecosystem services to the development of the country, produce an estimate in excess of RMB 4,500 billion (see Annex A.7). Clearly, restoring vegetation makes good economic as well as ecological sense.

This report examines practical methods and approaches that can be applied in restoring vegetation across the country, and makes specific policy and management recommendations for the Chinese Government. The following principles should be adopted:

1. Promote the use of native species and minimize reliance on exotic species
2. Aim toward the appropriate climax vegetation
3. Cover denuded ground
4. Promote heterogeneity and follow natural succession pathways
5. Restore ecological interactions
6. Prioritise protection of natural ecosystems
7. Extend natural ecosystems through closure
8. Use appropriate techniques to accelerate natural regeneration
9. Zone according to major land-use objective
10. Ensure that forestry, agriculture, grazing and collecting are sustainable
11. Protect vegetation against fire
12. Protect regenerating ecosystems against pests, diseases and invasive species/genes
13. Monitor and research biodiversity and ecosystem integrity
14. Manage for threatened species
15. Involve the community and promote public awareness
16. Plan holistically

These principles should be incorporated into all government planning, action programmes and public education.