By 2050, the coverage rate of forests in China will stand at over 26 per cent, and the country's ambition to rebuild its beautiful mountains and rivers will be realized for all intents and purposes, according to a forestry development blueprint.

    The decision on speeding up the development of forestry, released by the government yesterday, means that by 2010, the coverage rate of forests in the country is expected reach more than 19 per cent, while soil erosion in major river reaches and the expansion of desert land in major sand areas will slow down.

    By 2020, 23 per cent of the land in the country will be covered by forests and ecosystems all over China will see marked improvement.