Planting the future: What we can learn from China's afforestation model

This article is based on our podcast episode released on the 9th of April 2025. [Listen to the full episode here.]

In this episode of Foresting Tomorrow, we explored one of the most ambitious environmental undertakings in the world: China’s national afforestation programme. With forest coverage now exceeding 25%, and a goal of planting 70 billion trees by 2032, China is reshaping both its landscape and its role in the global climate agenda.

But beyond the impressive numbers, we asked: What can other countries take away from this effort?

A long-term commitment to green growth

Every year since becoming president, Xi Jinping has personally participated in tree planting events – a symbolic gesture that reflects decades of consistent national policy.

China’s forest coverage has more than doubled since the 1980s, growing from 12% to over 25%. The scale is vast: in 2024 alone, 4.45 million hectares of trees were planted and 3.22 million hectares of grassland restored. Through projects like the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, China aims to combat desertification, improve biodiversity, and support local economies.

The idea of 'green assets' is not just metaphorical in China—it ties directly into national development, carbon management, and ecological resilience.

Afforestation as a multi-purpose strategy

China’s approach to afforestation goes beyond planting trees for environmental reasons. It also supports:

• Carbon sequestration: Forests and grasslands are absorbing over 1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalents annually.
• Poverty reduction: Forestry and fruit cultivation have helped lift 15 million people out of poverty in the TSFP regions.
• Urban liveability: Nearly 43% of built-up areas in cities are now covered by vegetation.

In many ways, it’s a strategy that blends climate goals, economic development and land restoration in one.

Is this model transferable?

One of the recurring questions in our discussion was whether a programme of this scale could be replicated elsewhere.

“In Denmark, planting forests involves many individual landowners, and decisions unfold gradually,” Benjamin pointed out. “In China, it’s clearly more centralised – and that allows for rapid coordination.”

Rather than comparing systems, it may be more useful to focus on the principles behind China’s success:

• Consistency over decades
• Integration across sectors
• Clear national goals with local implementation
• Viewing afforestation as infrastructure

These ideas are not exclusive to any one political model—but they do require long-term thinking.

Quantity vs. quality: Finding the balance

While the number of trees planted is staggering, the ecological quality of afforestation efforts is equally important.

“It’s not just about planting,” Benjamin reflected. “Species selection, site suitability and long-term survival make the difference.”

In Denmark’s own experience, past subsidies for broadleaves sometimes led to planting on unsuitable land. Two decades later, some of those areas remain treeless.

China’s recent focus has increasingly shifted toward forest management and ecological quality, recognising that resilience, biodiversity and productivity must go hand in hand.

The bigger picture

Whether in China, Europe or elsewhere, afforestation is becoming a key lever in responding to climate change, restoring degraded land, and shaping future economies.

“What’s striking is not just the scale,” Rasmus noted, “but the integration of forests into wider national strategy—economically, socially, and ecologically.”

In this sense, China’s efforts offer more than just impressive numbers. They offer a case study in what’s possible when afforestation is taken seriously at every level—from local implementation to national vision.

As we continue exploring digital tools, sustainable forestry and ecological restoration, China’s afforestation programme reminds us of what can be achieved with clarity of purpose and long-term coordination.

No model is perfect. But there’s inspiration to be found—not in copying, but in adapting the ideas that work.

“Planting trees,” Xi Jinping said, “is planting the future.”

Perhaps we can all agree on that.