More than five billion yuan (about US$600 million) of government funds has been spent in planting trees and grass to curb sandstorms in areas to the north of Beijing and Tianjin cities.

Over 1.5 million hectares (3.7 million acres) of land in 75 counties in five provincial areas have turned green, greatly improving local environment, according to Li Yucai, deputy director of the State Forestry Administration.

The project, which was launched in 2000, aims to improve the environment, boost the income of farmers, and achieve sustainable development in these areas.

Governments at different levels are the main force behind the project. In Hebei Province, 394,000 contracts have been signed between local governments and local people, according to Hebei Vice Governor Song Enhua.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2002)