(ECNS) -- China made new strides in achieving afforestation in 2023 with over 3.99 million hectares of forest planted, according to data from the National Greening Commission on Tuesday.

The country also restored 4.38 million hectares of degraded grassland and improved 1.905 million hectares of sandy and rocky desertification land last year.

China implemented 96 major projects for the protection ofnational ecosystems and restoration, and 25 pilot projects for afforestation in 2023.

The country initiated a trial scientific greening program in Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Chongqing, Sichuan provinces and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

A total of 63,000 square kilometers of soil-eroded areas were restored last year, with 505 ecological river basins built.

March 12 this year marks China's 46th National Tree Planting Day.

Statistics above showed the achievements China has made in promoting integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and sand.