BEIJING — The National Forestry and Grassland Administration released a bulletin on March 11, showcasing advances in the country's afforestation work in 2021.

The bulletin was released to mark China's 44th Tree-Planting Day, which is marked on March 12.

The following are some figures that illustrate China's land-greening progress in 2021:

—Forests: China planted 3.6 million hectares of forest and converted 380,800 hectares of farmland into forest. It also took targeted measures to improve the quality of forests, restoring 933,300 hectares of degraded forest.

— Grasslands: 3.07 million hectares of grassland were improved through grass planting, and 23,900 hectares of farmland were converted into grassland. China also ecologically restored 1.56 million hectares of grassland.

— Wetlands: 72,700 hectares of wetland were added or restored in the country.

— Anti-desertification: 1.44 million hectares of land were saved from desertification or stony desertification.

— Fewer forest fires: The number of forest fires and the total forest and grassland area affected decreased as the protection and management of forest and grassland resources were comprehensively improved.

— Popularity of ecotourism: People in China made over 2.09 billion ecotourism trips last year. That number rose more than 12 percent from 2020.