Chinese premier stresses afforestation, fire prevention

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday urged more efforts in tree-planting and forest fire prevention to facilitate a greener environment and sustainable development for the country.

In a written instruction to a national tele-conference on afforestation and forest fire prevention, Li highlighted afforestation as an important effort in China's "ecological civilization" and sustainable development.

He called on authorities to boost both the quality and acreage of the country's green land, promote nationwide tree-planting and increase the supply of ecological products.

The premier also asked for stronger forest fire prevention and enhancement of the country's "green barrier" to help create a beautiful environment and maintain sustained economic and social development.

Vice Premier Wang Yang told the conference that authorities should push forward key forestry projects and diversify ways to increase "green resources," while highlighting the importance of afforestation and desertification control in arid and semi-arid regions.

Wang said the strategy of ecological "red lines," or clear protection over certain regions, should be strictly followed, calling for further protection of forests, grassland, farmland, wetland and deserts, as well as boosting construction of national forest parks.

Local governments should take action to guard against forest and grassland fires, especially in fire-prone seasons like spring, to prevent massive blazes and huge casualties, he said.