Deforestation in China
Deforestation has been taking place in China for thousands of years to make room for farmland and to propel the development of China by providing fuel or timber (Marks, 2012, p. 333). Dynasties have relied on the natural resources found in China for centuries to feed growing populations, and fuel production of weapons and other goods for military use and daily life (Economy, 2007, p. 37). Deforestation is environmentally problematic for a wide variety of reasons, and looks very different throughout various parts of the world.
In some areas in China, desertification has been a major consequence of this deforestation, which occurs when native tree species are removed, altering the water retention capacity and porosity (how much air the soil retains) of the soil, allowing wind to sweep it away seen in Figure 1. In all places, deforestation reduces number of species able to survive decreasing biodiversity. The amount of stored carbon also decreases during this process, which means more carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. More complicated deforestation occurs when native trees are removed and replaced with other more desirable tree species, like rubber plantations occurring in Xishuangbanna. These effects are known to a much lesser degree, but can involve changes in soil biochemistry, and alter the native ecosystem tremendously.
There is a history of activism in regard to deforestation throughout China. Activists from around the world banded together via a website called “Global Witness” to force the Chinese government to crackdown on illegal loggers, cutting down trees in Burma and bringing the timber illegally back to China through Yunnan, the province where Beijing is located (Phillips, 2015). In 2015, 153 Chinese loggers removing trees illegally were sentenced to life in prison in Burma by the local government, spawning diplomatic protest from the Chinese government (Reuters, 2015).
Policy Initiatives
A number of different policy and organizational initiatives have been taken by government and groups in China to prevent widespread deforestation:
Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP)– this program was started in 2000, with the major goals of preserving 95 million hectare of forest throughout China. The NFPP has caused policy created banning logging in 13 provinces, and is working to better monitor timber companies within China. Additionally, NFPP has been working on creating initiatives and funding for reforestation and replanting initiatives throughout China.
Forestry Law (1998)– Although considered ambiguous by many, this law defines five different forest types in China, of which Protected Forests and Timber Forests are the dominant types. The law places regulations on timber quotas for companies, and encourages reforestation throughout China.