Impact of China's Large-Scale Ecological Restoration Program on the Environment and Society in Arid and Semiarid Areas of China: Achievements, Problems, Synthesis, and Applications

Abstract

Since, 1978, China has pursued some of the world's most ambitious conservation programs, including the Three Norths Shelter Forest System Project, Grain for Green Project, and the Natural Forest Conservation Program. After 30 years of experience with these programs, researchers have found that improving agricultural technology and providing appropriate payment for ecosystem service (PES) to farmers displaced by these programs can improve both the environment and society while avoiding the malignant cycle in which poverty leads to environmental destruction, which then deepens poverty. However, flaws in the implementation of these programs mean that it remains necessary to watch for damage to the environment and society caused by inappropriate technology and policy.