In a recent interview, Sun Lei, Party Secretary and Director of the Tai'an Forestry Bureau, outlined the bureau's strategic plans for the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, emphasizing a balanced approach to ecological protection and economic growth to support the city's "Five Cities" construction.
Key Development Strategies for the 15th Five-Year Plan
As the 2026 "15th Five-Year Plan" begins, the Forestry Bureau will focus on three key areas: ecological conservation, scientific greening, and reform-driven development. Sun Lei stressed the importance of resource security, ecological restoration, and fostering new forestry productivity. Key initiatives include enhancing forest fire prevention systems with four safety frameworks (essential safety, monitoring, emergency response, and coordinated support), strict law enforcement for forest and wetland management, and protecting wildlife, including birds, ancient trees, and germplasm resources. The bureau will also continue efforts to control pine wood nematode disease and other pests.
Measures for Ecological Protection and Greening
To advance greening, the bureau will accelerate barren mountain afforestation in key ecological zones like Mount Tai, the Yellow River, Dongping Lake, and the Dawen River, and complete the national land greening demonstration project in the Yellow River's lower reaches around Mount Tai, aiming to maintain or increase forest coverage. Carbon sink pilot projects at the Culai Mountain Forest Farm will be deepened, and collaboration with the provincial forest and grass germplasm resource center will establish a botanical garden with diverse species for public education.
Reform and Development Priorities
On reform, the bureau will increase project investment, steadily advance state-owned forest farm and collective forest land tenure reforms, and modernize state-owned farms. The under-forest economy is targeted to exceed 310,000 mu, with genuine medicinal herbs covering over 100,000 mu and total economic forest output reaching 900,000 tons. Technological support will include training for over 2,000 people and securing at least five science and technology awards.
Comprehensive Forest Resource Protection
Sun Lei highlighted Tai'an's rich forest and wetland resources, citing the need for robust protection. The bureau will upgrade the forest fire prevention system with the "Sky Eye Mountain Watch" system, integrating AI and drone patrols, and implementing a 24-hour duty system with joint training for emergency response teams. For pest control, comprehensive measures like drone reconnaissance and manual ground checks will target pine wood nematode, aiming to secure national projects to stabilize ecological conditions. Biodiversity protection will involve strict oversight of wild animal and bird habitats, with law enforcement actions like "Operation Fresh Breeze 2026" to combat illegal activities.
Transforming Ecological Forestry into a Prosperous Industry
To drive the "two mountains" (lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets) transformation, the bureau will focus on industrializing ecology. Key efforts include building national-level forest germplasm bases and developing a "two zones, six parks" pattern for premium fruits like Tai'an chestnuts, cherries, and peaches. This involves improving orchard management, variety breeding, and product quality. The under-forest economy will be promoted through demonstration bases, utilizing models like under-forest planting, breeding, and forest tourism. Support for genuine medicinal herbs, such as Tai'an Polygonatum, will be enhanced through demonstration projects and market platforms. Lastly, the bureau will develop new business models like "forest+", integrating eco-tourism, cultural studies, and health retreats, while exploring ways to convert under-forest materials into organic fertilizers or biofuels to boost both ecological and economic value.