Introduction to Integrated Mountain Development in China

Mountain areas cover 68% of land in China, where impoverished population and minority people mainly concentrate on. A well conducted Integrated Mountain Development is closely associated with significant social issues in the country as whole, since the strategy will not only focus on national land and water treatment, but also act as powerful program for promoting economic development and poverty alleviation in mountainous region.

Realizing the developing potential of mountain and pining hope to forest, in 1996 the State Council granted the Ministry of Forestry with leading role to organize Coordination Group of China Integrated Mountain Development (CGCIMD) together with such governmental sectors as the State Planning Committee, Science and technology Committee and Ministry of Finance. The mission of CGCIMD aims at demonstrating treatment of land and water, afforestation, road construction and electricity supply in mountain areas. In 1996, the fist 24 demonstration counties were invested with some 200 million Yuan and 100 million man/days. Thus 55,333 ha of farm land with poor productivity been had been improved or reclaimed, with another 121,333 ha of fruit tree and forests planted. During this period, 5,120 km road and 23 hydrological power stations were built, making 423 villages, i.e. 100,000 families access to electricity use. The average income of local villagers in the 24 counties had increased by 15% compared to that in 1995, which stood above the average level of nation.

At present, there are 114 counties demonstrating Integrated Mountain Development in 31 provinces across the country, with dramatic improvement in ecological environment, living conditions and income for local people.