Experts are working in this southern city to develop tree species
that could make a major contribution to the battle against
pollution.
A total of 30 species, including camphor trees, are currently
being tested in terms of their ability to resist air pollution at
the Huadu Liuxiwan Agriculture and Forest Ecology and Technology
Center.
"These special trees, which will be used in the city's urban
greening projects, will play growing role in cutting urban air
pollution," said Zhang Weiqiang, a researcher with the Guangdong
Forest Research Institute (GFRI).
"Based on initial research, these species are highly resistant
to air pollution, with a strong ability to cleanse air in urban
areas," Zhang said on Friday.
He also called for more rational and effective efforts to plant
trees in urban areas.
Zhang said that although most tree species had suffered stunted
growth as a result of urban pollution, some others had developed an
ability to resist pollution and actually help to clean the air.
As a result, Zhang said that, in their efforts to make the city
a greener place, the authorities should select these
pollution-resistant species.
According to Shen Mansong, managing director of the Guangzhou
Henghai Gardening Development Co Ltd, which is taking part in the
program, the firm will introduce 80 more such species from overseas
to the Huadu center.
"We are determined to develop the center into the largest
pollution-resistant tree species research center of its kind in the
nation, providing a solid foundation for national projects," Shen
said.
"Once the research is completed, these anti-pollution tree
species will be promoted in gardening projects," Shen said.
(China Daily July 14, 2007)
