Guizhou advances green transformation through ecological restoration

Southwest China's Guizhou province is strengthening ecological protection in the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Pearl rivers, serving as an important ecological security barrier.

In recent years, the province has promoted ecological restoration through institutional innovation, major projects, and mechanisms for turning ecological value into economic value. Progress has been made in mine restoration, integrated protection of mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, grasslands, and deserts, as well as green finance.

By the end of 2023, Guizhou had completed restoration of 2,717 hectares of historically abandoned mines, reclaimed 500 hectares of land, carried out comprehensive treatment along 360 kilometers of rivers, restored 2,800 hectares of wetlands, and treated 6,519 hectares affected by rocky desertification.

In project areas, forest coverage reached 62.5 percent, the soil erosion treatment rate stood at 72.65 percent, and water conservation capacity increased by 19.11 percent.

Guizhou will continue promoting the green transformation of its mining sector and expand green mine development across the province. It also plans to strengthen full-lifecycle management of ecological restoration projects, improve integrated monitoring networks using space, air, and ground technologies, and diversify funding for ecological management and maintenance to ensure restoration gains remain sustainable.