China is making some progress in fight against desertification, as the latest figures show a reduced area of desertification. A press briefing has been held on the results of China's fifth national monitoring of desertification.
According to the head of State Forestry Administration, as of 2014, the desertification land covers some 2.6 million square kilometers, taking up 27.2 percent of China's total landmass. Compare to last survey in 2009, the figure reduced by more than 12,000 square kilometers. More forests have been planted. And progress has been seen in combating soil drifting.
But a forestry chief also warned of over development of water resources, saying that the ground water recession poses threats to ecology. He also said that some 300,000 square kilometers landmass face threats of desertification, and more efforts should be made.
China's monitoring of desertification was established in 1995. It is held every five years. The latest round was started in 2013, lasted for more than two years, involving more than 5,000 professionals.
