Covering around one third of all land on Earth, forests are vital to sustaining life on this planet. They purify the air, prevent erosion, regulate the climate, provide homes for diverse animal and plant species, and support local communities by nurturing numerous trades and industries.

According to a report released by the National Greening Commission, in 2022, China had 231 million hectares of forests, which covered about 24 percent of the country's total land area. Between 2010 and 2020, China produced more than half of the world's newly added forest area.

Over the past decade, industrial clusters have taken shape in the forestry sector, transforming many regions into major industrial hubs for the specialized production of forest-related goods and services. The production of wood-based panels has centered in Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the south; northeast China has become a leading producer of forest-grown vegetables, fruits and herbal medicine products; and forest tourism has thrived in the country's southwestern inland regions, home to dense tropical rainforests.

Technological innovation has continued to power the growth of China's forestry sector. The integration of artificial intelligence, big data and machine vision allows foresters to remotely locate pests and keep pesticide sprays on target to reduce potential spray drift. Scientists can now also build virtual models of a forest to monitor and predict the natural processes that take place within its ecosystem.

Hopefully, with the continuous advancement of technologies and China's enduring commitment to afforestation, forests will play a bigger role in boosting local economies and facilitating sustainable development.

(Oriental Outlook, August 10)