BEIJING, July 17 -- China has revealed a five-year plan to strengthen the protection of soil, groundwater and the rural ecological environment, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

The plan, jointly issued by the ministry and other government departments, outlines key tasks from 2026 to 2030, such as improving environmental protection of agricultural land, deepening coordinated efforts to prevent and control groundwater pollution, and advancing the initiative to build a beautiful countryside.

During this period, China will launch six major projects, including soil pollution prevention at the source and treatment of small rural water bodies, according to the plan.

The country will also conduct its second national survey of soil pollution and a nationwide investigation and assessment of groundwater pollution, the plan said.

By 2030, the environmental safety of agricultural and construction land is expected to be effectively safeguarded, while the quality of the soil and groundwater environment will have steadily improved, the plan noted.

It also calls for significant progress in green agricultural development and the development of a beautiful countryside.