China will step up efforts to strengthen ecological conservation during the 2026-2030 period as it continues to pursue green modernization, according to a recently issued development plan.
The plan, jointly issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and other departments on Aug 7, said China aims to steadily improve the quality of its ecosystems, enhance ecosystem diversity, stability and resilience, and better safeguard the country's ecological security.
The plan also sets specific targets for the period, including keeping the proportion of land area covered by protected areas at no less than 18 percent of the country's total land area and raising the Ecological Quality Index (EQI) to 86.5. It also calls for increasing the soil and water conservation rate to above 74 percent and raising the forest coverage rate to 25.8 percent.
It also outlines tasks to further optimize the ecological spatial configuration, advance ecosystem protection and restoration, and comprehensively strengthen biodiversity conservation.
China has continued to strengthen ecological conservation and environmental protection. The country's landmark Ecological and Environmental Code, set to take effect this Saturday, marks another major step in these efforts, providing stronger legal support for sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
China to strengthen ecological protection for more resilient ecosystems by 2030
Central China's Henan Province upgraded its warning for torrential rain to the highest-level red alert at 07:30 on Wednesday as downpours continue to batter large swathes of the province.
The provincial meteorological observatory reported that maximum precipitation over the past 24 hours reached 356.9 mm in Changcun Township, Yexian County in Pingdingshan City.
From 08:00 Wednesday to 08:00 Thursday, widespread heavy rain is expected across areas north of the Huaihe River. The deluge will be accompanied by short-duration heavy downpours and thunderstorms with gales.
Henan upgraded its flood emergency response to Level II, the second-highest level, at 08:00 Wednesday, urging authorities to intensify disaster prevention, evacuate residents in high-risk areas, and ensure public safety.
Authorities have suspended classes, business operations, and non-essential outdoor activities in the affected areas, urging residents to avoid deep floodwaters and evacuate immediately if vehicles stall in water.
The National Meteorological Center renewed its orange alert for torrential rain on Wednesday, forecasting heavy rain across a broad swath of the country through Thursday morning, including Henan, Shandong and Hubei.
China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response. It also has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
Central China's Henan launches highest-level alert for rains
