退耕还林还草“还”来绿意盎然美丽四川

Core Viewpoint - The 20-year implementation of the "Returning Farmland to Forests and Grasslands" initiative in Sichuan has significantly improved ecological conditions and contributed to rural agricultural transformation, enhancing both ecological protection and farmers' income [9][15][16]. Group 1: Historical Context and Implementation - In 1998, Sichuan identified itself as a major source of sediment for the Yangtze River and initiated the "Returning Farmland to Forests and Grasslands" pilot program in 1999 to combat ecological degradation [10][11]. - The program involved halting farming on 3 million acres of sloped farmland across 120 counties, marking a significant shift towards ecological restoration [11][12]. - Sichuan established a comprehensive management system for the initiative, including a leadership group and a multi-departmental approach to ensure effective implementation [12][13]. Group 2: Achievements and Impact - Over 20 years, Sichuan has converted nearly 4 million acres of sloped farmland into forests, with a total investment of 558.66 billion yuan benefiting 23.236 million agricultural residents [13][15]. - The forest coverage in Sichuan has increased by over 4 percentage points, and the water conservation capacity has improved significantly, with 58.25 billion cubic meters of water being conserved annually [15][16]. - The initiative has also led to a reduction of 46% in sediment content flowing into the Yangtze River compared to 1998, showcasing its effectiveness in ecological restoration [15]. Group 3: Socioeconomic Benefits - The program has provided an average subsidy of 6,700 yuan per household to participating farmers, helping 237,000 impoverished individuals to improve their economic status [16]. - The initiative has fostered the development of new industries and economic activities related to forestry, with approximately 30 million acres of forestry and grassland industrial parks established [16][25]. - The shift in agricultural practices and the promotion of ecological awareness among farmers have transformed the social landscape, making ecological conservation a community norm [17][26]. Group 4: Future Directions - Sichuan continues to explore new models for ecological protection and restoration, aiming to enhance the ecological security of the Yangtze and Yellow River basins [19][24]. - The province is committed to integrating ecological construction with economic development, ensuring that ecological advantages translate into economic benefits [26].