China celebrates its annual National Tree Planting Day, a nationwide initiative that underscores the country’s dedication to afforestation, ecological restoration, and sustainable development. As millions of volunteers participate in tree planting activities across the country, experts are emphasizing the role of afforestation in addressing environmental challenges such as desertification, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
On March 12, 1979, the National People’s Congress institutionalized the voluntary tree planting campaign and since then, tree planting has become a national movement, with over 78 billion trees planted across the country.
Experts have commended China’s large-scale afforestation efforts, noting their significant impact on both the environment and global climate goals. Professor Zhang Wei, an environmental scientist at Tsinghua University, stated, “China’s afforestation projects are among the most ambitious in the world. The scale at which reforestation is being undertaken sets an example for other countries facing similar ecological challenges. The expansion of forest cover is not only absorbing carbon dioxide but also restoring vital ecosystems.”
One of the most notable projects is the Three-North Shelterbelt Program, also known as the “Great Green Wall of China,” which was launched in 1978 to combat desertification in northern China. Spanning thousands of kilometers across Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Xinjiang, the project has successfully restored more than 35 million hectares of land, significantly reducing the frequency of sandstorms in Beijing and other cities. Another remarkable initiative is the Kubuqi Desert Project, which has transformed over 6,000 square kilometers of barren desert into green landscapes, improving soil fertility and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
In recent years, China has also leveraged technology to enhance its afforestation efforts. The Ant Forest Initiative, a digital tree planting platform launched by Ant Financial Services Group, has enabled users to convert low-carbon activities into virtual energy that funds real tree planting. The Chinese government has also introduced policies such as the Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP) and the Grain for Green Program, which provide financial incentives to farmers and communities that convert degraded farmland into forested areas.
China’s afforestation drive is not only benefiting the country but also contributing to global environmental sustainability. By increasing its forest coverage from 12% in the 1980s to over 24% today, China has significantly boosted its annual carbon sink capacity to more than 1.2billion tonnes ranking first in the world according to China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Dr. Li Xia, a climate policy researcher at Peking University, noted, “China’s reforestation efforts play a crucial role in global climate mitigation. As one of the largest contributors to new forest growth, China is helping the world move closer to its carbon neutrality targets.”
While challenges remain, China’s efforts provide valuable lessons for other nations. By combining policy support, technological innovation, and public participation, the country has demonstrated how large-scale tree planting initiatives can drive ecological and economic transformation.
As China marks another National Tree Planting Day, the message is clear: afforestation is not just about greening the land, but about securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
