BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- More than 130 ministerial officials on Sunday planted trees in Beijing in an annual volunteer event held to underscore the importance of afforestation to China's environment.
In groups of three to five, 137 officials planted over 1,200 trees at a forest park in Changping District, a northern suburb in the capital city. They also helped trim branches, administer fertilizer, and deploy pest trap plates for approximately another 800 trees.
The officials were from organs directly affiliated with the Communist Party of China Central Committee, central state departments, and the Beijing Municipality.
The tradition of ministerial officials planting trees commenced in 2002. To date, they have planted nearly 43,000 trees, leading by example to turn afforestation as a nationwide endeavor.
In China, the public are encouraged to support afforestation in various ways. That includes planting and caring for trees, adopting saplings, constructing facilities, donating funds or items, and volunteering services.
An online platform has been launched to support the nationwide afforestation endeavor. Between Jan. 1 and April 6, 2024, the platform issued more than 21,000 related events inviting the general public to participate. ■
