《社会、经济与森林：中国正在进行的森林转型及经验教训》英-44页_15mb

Summary of Forest Transition in China and Lessons for the Future

Core Content

This document provides an in-depth analysis of China's forest transition over the last three decades, highlighting its transformation from a country experiencing deforestation to a global leader in forest product production and forest ecosystem management. It also outlines the key drivers behind this change and offers lessons for other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Main Points

Forest Cover and Growing Stock

• Increase in Forest Cover: China's forest cover increased from 157 million hectares (ha) in 1990 to 219.98 million ha in 2020, representing a 39.8% increase in area and a 12.9% increase in the proportion of land area covered by forests.
• Growing Stock: The total forest growing stock increased from 10.48 billion cubic meters (m³) in 1990 to 19.19 billion m³ in 2020, with a compounded annual growth rate of 2%. Planted forests showed even more significant growth, with their growing stock increasing from 739 million m³ to 4.05 billion m³, a 5.8% annual growth rate.
• Per-hectare Growth: The per-hectare growing stock in both naturally regenerated and planted forests increased, indicating improved forest management and productivity.

Forest Ecosystem Services

• Emphasis on Ecosystem Health: There has been a growing focus on improving the health and resilience of forests, especially in terms of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and water regulation.
• Ecological Forests: The proportion of ecological forests (including protected and special purpose forests) in China increased from 17% in 1993 to 56% in 2018, reflecting a shift in priorities towards environmental functions.
• National Parks and Green Spaces: The number of national parks in China increased from 750 to 3505 between 1995 and 2017, with their designated area expanding from 6.6 million ha to 20.28 million ha. Urban green spaces, including "national forest cities," have also expanded, with 194 cities designated as national forest cities by 2019 and a proposal to increase this number to 300 by 2025.

Forest Product Production and Trade

• Shift in Wood Production: China's total roundwood production decreased from 378 million m³ in 1990 to 345 million m³ in 2019, but industrial roundwood production doubled, and woodfuel production declined.
• Industrial Roundwood Imports: China's imports of industrial roundwood increased from 7.25 million m³ in 1990 (8.8% of global imports) to 61.11 million m³ in 2019 (43.6% of global imports), with import value rising from USD 745 million to USD 9.6 billion.
• Sawnwood Production and Imports: Domestic sawnwood production increased from 23.6 million m³ in 1990 to 90.3 million m³ in 2019, while imports rose from 1.3 million m³ to 39.5 million m³. China's share of global sawnwood production increased from 7.3% to 27.7%.
• Value-added Products: China has become a leading producer of value-added forest products such as wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, and wooden furniture. Its production of wood-based panels increased from 3 million m³ in 1990 to 200 million m³ in 2019, accounting for 49.8% of global production. Paper and paperboard production also grew significantly, from 17.4 million tonnes to 111.7 million tonnes.

Key Drivers of Forest Transition

• Policy and Institutional Reforms: Environmental concerns have led to policy changes, including bans on logging natural forests and reforms in forest tenure rights, which have encouraged private sector investments in forestry.
• Tenure Reforms: The reform of collective forests has been a major turning point in Chinese forest governance, enabling more sustainable forest management.
• Afforestation and Reforestation: Massive investments in afforestation and reforestation have contributed to the reversal of deforestation and the expansion of forest areas.
• Science and Technology: Advances in science and technology have improved forest management, increased productivity, and enhanced trade and market services.
• Economic Development: China's emergence as an industrialized economy has driven changes in the demand for and use of forest products, leading to increased investments in forest conservation and sustainable use.

Challenges and Future Outlook

• Emerging Challenges: Inward-looking policies and global crises, such as the pandemic, have introduced new uncertainties for the forest sector.
• Demographic and Economic Changes: Rapid urbanization and economic growth have influenced the demand for timber and environmental services.
• Environmental Concerns: While progress has been made, environmental challenges such as desertification and biodiversity loss remain significant.
• Future Pathways: The paper suggests that future forest transition will depend on continued demographic and economic changes, as well as on addressing environmental challenges through sustainable practices and policies.

Key Lessons

• Policy and Institutional Support: Effective policies and institutional reforms are critical for driving forest transition.
• Private Sector Involvement: Mobilizing private sector investments through tenure reforms and incentives has been a key factor in the success of China's forest sector.
• Sustainable Management: Emphasis on ecological functions and biodiversity conservation has enhanced the resilience and health of forests.
• Technology and Innovation: Science and technology have played a pivotal role in improving forest productivity and enabling efficient trade and market services.
• Adaptation to Change: China's experience shows that forest transition is possible even in large and rapidly developing economies, provided there is a commitment to sustainability and long-term planning.

Conclusion

China's forest transition represents a remarkable transformation, driven by a combination of policy, economic, and technological factors. The country has not only reversed deforestation but has also become a global leader in forest product production and ecosystem services. The lessons from China's experience can serve as a valuable guide for other countries aiming to achieve sustainable forest management in the face of socio-economic and environmental changes.