Beijing gets greener in preparation for Olympics

(BEIJING, July 3) -- Beijing, host of the 2008 Olympic Games, has made remarkable progress in water protection and expansion of green coverage in the last few years, officials said here on Thursday.

The city has honored its pledge one year ahead of schedule to increase green space, as outlined in its bid for the right to hold the Olympics, Wang Sumei, deputy chief of the Office of the Municipal Afforestation Commission told a press conference.

The forest coverage rate in Beijing rose to 51.6 percent at the end of 2007 from 41.9 percent in 2000, and the forest coverage rate for the city's mountainous areas reached 70.49 percent from 57.23 percent, she said, adding that the green coverage rate in the city's central area has grown to 43 percent from 36 percent seven years before.

Meanwhile, Bi Xiaogang, deputy director of Beijing's Water Authority, briefed reporters on the city's efforts in protecting water sources, guaranteeing safe water supply, water recycling and water-saving projects in newly-built Olympic venues.

Beijing has set up a 6,000-square-kilometer drinking water protection area in Miyun and Huairou Reservoirs at the upper streams of rivers and met the goal of harmless treatment of trash. As a result of water-saving measures, Beijing's industrial consumption has declined for 10 consecutive years, he said.