China’s Natural Forest Protection Program: Progress and impacts

Abstract

This is a brief review on the progress and impacts of China’s Natural Forest Protection Program that was initiated in response to massive flooding in 1998 of the major river basins of China. The program was heavily financed by the central government and was a success in terms of three program goals: timber harvest control in the natural forests; increase in the total area of forest protection; and, the successful resettlement of forest workers who were affected by reduced harvests. The ecological, social, and economic impacts of the program are discussed.