Chinese forestry authorities began a publicity campaign Saturday to encourage afforestation and the conservation of forests.

Sponsors of the campaign, including the State Administration of Forestry and five other government organs and institutions, will work with the country's major news media to educate the public about forestry conservation.

The publicity, mainly through news coverage, will focus on nature reserves around China, the protection of highly-endangered giant pandas, and the construction of forest shelter belts in north China.

The campaign as an annual event was initiated four years ago, as part of China's efforts to increase its forest coverage while guaranteeing the supply of timber for rapid economic growth and rising living standards.

Afforestation and the conservation of forests were of great significance to sustainable development, said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top advisory body. 　　

China's forest coverage ratio stands at 16.55 percent. The government is aiming to increase it to 26 percent in 50 years.

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2003)