China plans to invest more than 71 million yuan (US$9 million) for an anti-desertification project in the northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, according to the regional government.

 

The project, which also wins a donation of 95 million yuan (US$11.9 million) from the German government, will focus on protection of the water source, afforestation and land erosion control in the thirsty central part of Ningxia, said the regional forestry department on Monday.

 

The eight-year project would be carried out in Zhongwei City and the counties of Yanchi and Zhongning since 2006, with more than 73,000 hectares of barren land under the threat of desertification involved, according to the department, who is be responsible for the project.

 

"The launch of the desertification control project will not only be of great importance to improve the environment, but also to promote economic development in the area," said an official with the department.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2006)