Canada, China Cooperate on Soil Erosion Treatment

The governments of Canada and China will jointly curb soil erosion which seriously plagues north and west China provinces, according to the government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

A cooperation project between the two governments, with a total investment of 2.79 million yuan, will be staged this year, aiming at alleviating soil erosion by growing sea buckthorn in Jungar Banner of Inner Mongolia.

Sea buckthorn, a perennial bush bearing fruit that is used to make delicious juice, is playing a vital role in the fight against soil erosion.

Covering more than 40 square kilometers, the project is also supposed to help local residents get rid of poverty. The average yearly income per person in the Banner is less than 2,000 yuan (US$240).

The fruit of the sea buckthorn has been used to make juice, jam, candy, canned fruit, and as a material for industrial use.

(Xinhua 03/20/2001)