“As the ecological environment in China is worsening and desertification, floods, and droughts prevail in some areas, the country should double its efforts in protecting the eco-system,” said Li Huazhong at a group seminar of the Liaoning delegation from China’s northeastern province. Li is member of the Environment and Resources Protection Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and one of the first group of excellent entrepreneurs of the country.

Li is in Beijing for the annual NPC session. As a deputy long engaged in environmental studies, he expresses his concern and offers suggestions for the country’s environmental construction.

According to Li, deserts and desertified areas in the country account for 17.6 percent of total land and cover 29 provinces and autonomous regions, mostly in the northwest and northeast.

He analyses reasons for ecological crisis. Overgrazing by animals in some areas has destroyed the natural local conditions. Shortage of water aggravates droughts and increases sandstorms in the north. Tree felling has accelerated soil erosion, especially at river sources.

A sound eco-system is crucial for a country’s long-term development. The vicious circle relating to ecology and economic progress should be broken.

Li added that, although achievements have been obtained in some areas, yet China should establish associations for large rivers and lakes, which conduct continual surveys and investigations instead of mending problems only when an emergency arises. Timely rescue and management can be done in this way.

On the other hand, China should increase its input in both investment and science and technology so as to improve the efficiency of its environmental protection.

(CIIC by Guo Xiaohong 03/14/2001)