China has made a significant investment of nearly 900 billion yuan ($123 billion) in transfer payments aimed at conserving water sources, biodiversity, and other essential ecological aspects in its national key ecological functional areas (NKEFAs), according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE).
This substantial funding has been allocated across 810 counties, encompassing approximately 4.84 million square kilometers. This vast area accounts for 50.4 percent of the country’s landmass, underscoring China’s commitment to environmental preservation on a grand scale.
The NKEFAs are regions designated for the protection of critical ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts. The investment aims to bolster ecological functions, enhance biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.
This initiative reflects China’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. By investing in ecological conservation, the country strives to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, contributing to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
Reference(s):
Nearly 900b yuan invested in building key ecological functional zones
cgtn.com
