Published by: World Tibet Network News, Sunday, Jun 2, 1996

LHASA (June 1) XINHUA - The Tibet Autonomous Region plans to afforest some 66,000 ha of barren land, close 132,000 ha of hillsides to facilitate afforestation and develop 1,320 ha of economic trees in the coming five years.

A local official said, "The move is part of an ambitious plan to develop the region's forestry."

It is learned that leading officials in Tibet's prefectures and major cities have signed contracts obliging them to achieve the afforestation goals.

These goals include the protection of forestry resources and the improvement of the ecological environment.

The official also said that the achievement or otherwise of the goals will be an important factor when considering promotion for local officials.

The autonomous region's government attaches great importance to the work because the development of forestry is closely associated with people's living environment, which has been deteriorating globally, the official said.