There is a close relationship between forestry and greening and, in addition to the economic aspects, planting and maintenance are important issues. It is recognized that an important factor in protecting trees is to strike a balance between "public good forest", which cannot be felled, and "commercial use forest" which is intended for logging. Accordingly, we paid a visit to the Horqin Left Back Banner Forestry Bureau which plays an important role in the greening work in the Horqin region.
![[Image] Mr. Chi Ya Don, Deputy Chief of the Horqin Left Back Banner Forestry Bureau](/environment/showcase/employee/ex/horqin/images/029.jpg)
![[Image] Aiming for future forest cover of 25%](/environment/showcase/employee/ex/horqin/images/comment_06.gif)
Mr. Qi Yadong, Deputy Chief of the Horqin Left Back Banner Forestry Bureau
What effect is global warming having on Horqin?
![[Image] Mr. Chi Ya Don](/environment/showcase/employee/ex/horqin/images/icon_name02.gif){kind=icon}
Global warming is not having much effect that can be felt in daily life. Since 1998 we have been concerned about low rainfall but we have had a lot of rain this year.
What level of environmental awareness is there amongst the people?
I expect the level of concern for the environment is still much less than in the coastal cities. Despite this, the Left Back Banner is making progress in areas like the sorting and recycling of waste and the schools are actively involved in environmental education, so the environmental awareness amongst individuals is definitely increasing.
How is progress on greening in the Horqin desert?
Whereas forest cover in our banner was 16.4% in 1964, this had fallen to 5.2% by 1978 due to human activity and natural attrition, the country was moved to action and measures put in place.
As a result of this, the percentage of forest recovered to 17% by 2006. Our aim for the future is forest cover of 25%, so we will be keeping up our greening efforts.
![[Image] Mr. Chi Ya Don](/environment/showcase/employee/ex/horqin/images/031.jpg)
What greening activities is the Forestry Bureau engaged in?
We keep track of how many trees are planted each year and publish the results. The population of around 300,000 together with the 1,200 staff of the Forestry Bureau continue to work on greening activities in cooperation with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) from overseas.
What about the greening project volunteers from Japan?
I am thankful for their very valuable assistance. Along with the technical assistance provided, I am surprised by their level of personal awareness. I hope you can inform the people around you about what is happening in the Horqin Desert after you get back to Japan.
What about support from Japanese companies?
When it comes to companies also, I see this in terms of the actions of individual people. I am very grateful for how they are giving serious thought to the issue of desertification in Horqin and providing both moral and material support.
![[Image] Mr. Chi Ya Don](/environment/showcase/employee/ex/horqin/images/032.jpg)
Thank you for taking this time to speak with us today.
