Reforestation program benefiting fragile regions

A multibillion yuan reforestation project that started 20 years ago has helped raise forest coverage in environmentally fragile regions, diversify farmers' incomes and curb greenhouse gases, a senior official said on Thursday.

Zhang Jianlong, head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said the landmark program to return cropland to forest and grassland has cost the central government more than 500 billion yuan ($72.6 billion) over the years.

The amount is nearly triple the cost of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project, and makes it the world's most expensive ecological project.