Beijing plans to create 100 habitat gardens and villages for ancient and notable trees by 2030 as part of a new five-year conservation plan issued by the Beijing Greening Commission, as reported by CGTN, a TV BRICS partner.
The Chinese capital is home to tens of thousands of century-old trees, including specimens dating back around 3,500 years. The new plan focuses on improving their protection and management, applying new technologies and preserving the cultural heritage associated with ancient trees.
By 2030, Beijing aims to establish a standardised database of ancient and notable trees and create 10 ecological and cultural landmarks centred on them in the old city. The city also plans to carry out preventive protection and restoration work on more than 3,000 trees and collect and preserve genetic resources from 100 rare and endangered specimens.
The plan includes measures to reduce the risk of trees falling during extreme weather. Inspections will prioritise trees in busy locations such as roadsides, parks and scenic areas, as well as specimens at increased risk because of internal trunk decay, leaning trunks or an imbalance between roots and crowns.
Authorities also intend to involve residents and community organisations in conservation through tree-adoption programmes.
Beijing has launched its third citywide survey of ancient and notable trees. The expanded survey will cover trees in nature reserves and assess their number, location, growth conditions and protection status.
Over the next five years, weakened and endangered trees will receive tailored protection and restoration plans. Measures will include improving paved areas around trees and removing problems such as cables passing through trunks.
The city is also developing a tiered tree healthcare system and an “Internet Plus ancient tree healthcare” model combining online and offline diagnosis. Beijing plans to upgrade its smart management platform and explore the use of artificial intelligence to assess tree health, identify safety risks and determine restoration measures.