Fujian’s Forest

Fujian’s forest coverage has risen to 65.85%, ranking first in China for 47 consecutive years.

Compared with monitoring results from previous years, both the total forest area and growing stock in Fujian have continued to increase significantly. This suggests that it’s not just about “planting more trees,” but about “growing better forests.” In simple terms, the focus has shifted from “having forests” to “having high-quality forests.”

Fujian hasn’t slowed down just because it is already “very green.” On the contrary, as forest coverage approaches its upper limit, the strategy has evolved, from prioritizing quantity to balancing both quantity and quality. On one hand, efforts continue to expand afforestation across urban and rural areas, mountainous regions, and coastal zones. On the other hand, greater emphasis is placed on optimizing forest structure, selecting appropriate tree species, and enhancing landscape aesthetics, making forests healthier, more resilient, and more visually appealing.

Looking further ahead, Fujian is managing its forests as an integrated ecosystem, enhancing water conservation capacity, increasing carbon storage, and developing the understory economy. In this way, ecological and economic benefits reinforce each other in a virtuous cycle. These 47 years at the top are not simply the result of planting more trees, but of continuously refining strategies, sustaining investment, and maintaining long-term commitment.