Northwest China's Xinjiang to step up afforestation for ecological protection

URUMQI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will strengthen ecological and environmental protection by completing afforestation of over 133,000 hectares this year, local authorities said.

The regional forestry and grassland administration said Xinjiang also plans to treat desertified land of 300,000 hectares in 2019.

The region will further enhance the protection and restoration of forests and grasslands and strengthen the protection of wetlands and wildlife.

Last year, Xinjiang completed afforestation of 181,000 hectares, converted 87,000 hectares of farmland to forests and grasslands, and controlled desertification of 396,000 hectares last year, the administration said.