Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has called for more efforts to mobilize the public to plant trees and for relevant parties to improve forestation efficiency as part of the eco-construction strategy.

Hui made the remarks on Tuesday at a meeting to honor groups and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country's forestation cause.

While praising the forestation work of the past decade, which has improved the environment and boosted rural economies, Hui stressed that China's ecology remains fragile and can not compare with that of developed countries.

Hui urged boosting public awareness of forestation, accelerating the transformation of the growth mode of the forestation industry and strengthening the protection of forestry resources.

Meanwhile, Hui ordered firefighters to stay on high alert around the Qingming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day, which falls on April 4 this year, when many people burn incense and paper money in remembrance of the dead.

Hui urged local governments to check for potential fire risks, strictly manage fire sources and deal with fires in a timely manner to prevent major losses.

Source:english.sepa.gov