June 25 marks China’s National Land Day, a significant occasion dedicated to raising public awareness about land protection and promoting national policies on land preservation. Established by the State Council, this day commemorates the adoption of China’s first major law on adjusting land relations, passed on June 25, 1986, during the 16th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Sixth National People’s Congress.
China stands as the first country globally to designate a special day for land preservation. Despite its vast land area ranking third in the world, China faces challenges due to its limited per capita land resources, which are only a third of the global average. With complex climates and diverse terrains, arable land accounts for merely about 10 percent of the nation’s total land area, placing China 67th globally in per capita arable land.
Over the years, themes such as “Using the land economically and intensively” and “Sticking to the red line of cultivated land” have underscored the country’s commitment to sustainable land use. These themes have been consistently adopted since the 30th National Land Day, reflecting China’s focus on balanced development and ecological conservation.
China continues to confront challenges including land degradation, desertification, soil erosion, and pollution. Addressing these issues requires balancing resource development with ecological protection. Similar to establishing a red line for the minimum area of arable land, China plans to set a minimum area for ecological preservation to ensure sustainable development.
This year marks the 34th National Land Day. Decades of dedicated efforts have yielded remarkable achievements in maintaining arable land, restoring wastelands, and optimizing land utilization. Initiatives have led to improved agricultural productivity, enhanced environmental protection, and a more sustainable approach to land management.
As China progresses, the continued focus on land preservation remains crucial. The collective efforts of government policies, community involvement, and technological advancements contribute to safeguarding the land for future generations, highlighting a determined way to defend the land.
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China's National Land Day: A determined way to defend the land
cgtn.com
