2010年-世界发展银行全球_China_Forest_Policy___Deepening_the_Transition_Broadening_the_Relationship_53页_1mb

CHINA FOREST POLICY Summary

Core Content

This report discusses the evolution of China's forestry sector, focusing on the transition from deforestation to reforestation, the impact of institutional reforms on forest tenure, and the potential for future development. It highlights the World Bank's role in supporting these changes and outlines opportunities for deeper engagement with the sector.

Main Viewpoints

• Forest Transition: China has experienced a rapid forest transition, characterized by a shift from deforestation to reforestation, occurring earlier and more quickly than in most other countries.
• Policy Impact: The recovery of forest cover is attributed to deliberate policies since the 1970s, aimed at restoring environmental balance and securing raw material supplies.
• Institutional Reforms: Reforms in forest tenure, particularly in the collective forest areas, have significantly increased forest-based incomes, timber harvests, and sustainable forest management.
• State Forest Subsector: The state-controlled forest subsector, especially in the northeast, has lagged behind in reforms and is still dominated by inefficient state enterprises.
• World Bank Role: The World Bank has been a major player in China's forestry sector, with over $1 billion in commitments since 1998. Its role is evolving, with a focus on broader support beyond plantation financing.

Key Information

Forest Resources and Trends

• Global Context: China has among the lowest per capita and per unit area forest endowments globally. It holds 4.95% of the world’s forestland and 3.16% of the world’s forest stock.
• Forest Cover: China’s forest cover was 14% in 1973, increasing to 20.36% by 2008.
• Forest Area and Structure:
  • Total Forest Area: Increased by about 51% between 1973-76 and 2004-08.
  • Timber Forest: Decreased in area over the period, while Protection Forest increased significantly, becoming the dominant forest type.
  • Plantation Forests: Account for about 61.69 million hectares, with a growing share of the total forest area.
  • Age Structure: Most forestland is in young or middle-aged forests, with a significant lack of near-mature and mature forests.

Forest Tenure Reforms

• Collective Forest Areas: Reforms have transferred ownership to over a million rural households, promoting sustainable forest management and increasing economic activity.
• Tenure Types: The distribution of tenure types has changed significantly, with more individual and community-based ownership.
• Economic Impact: Reforms have led to increased forest-based incomes and timber harvests, supported by improved management and planting efforts.
• Second-Generation Issues: Challenges remain in the design of support mechanisms for forest management, marketing, and financial services. Governance structures must adapt to new ownership patterns.

Timber Supply Potential in the Northeast

• State Forest Regions: The northeast region, including Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia, is a major industrial forest area dominated by state enterprises.
• Current Supply: Annual timber harvest in the region is approximately 13 million cubic meters.
• Potential Growth: An economic model suggests that with limited reforms and no significant price increases, timber supply could double to over 25 million cubic meters.
• Reform Needs: Institutional and financial reforms are necessary to unlock this potential, including changes in tenure, resource rehabilitation, and forest inventory systems.

World Bank Engagement

• Past Success: The World Bank has been successful in financing forest plantations and has supported over $1 billion in forestry projects.
• Future Directions:
  • Transition from direct financing of commercial plantations to support for public goods and ecological plantings.
  • Address second-generation tenure reform issues, including technical support, marketing, and financial services.
  • Engage in the reform and restructuring of the state forest sector, including financing social obligations and promoting forest restoration.

Conclusion

The report outlines a path for the World Bank to deepen its involvement in China's forestry sector by supporting both collective and state forest reforms, promoting sustainable practices, and adapting to new economic and institutional realities. It emphasizes the need for balanced investment and governance structures to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.