Storyline China makes remarkable strides in forestry breeding over past 5 years [voice_over] New data from China's Ministry of Natural Resources shows that over the past five years the country has made remarkable achievements in forestry by developing tree varieties that support ecological projects in challenging environments. By strengthening research in new tree varieties, making breakthroughs in gene-editing technologies and establishing a full-genome selection system, researchers have developed 67 improved varieties of major timber species. And in the country's arid and nutrient-poor northeast, north, and northwest regions scientists have bred more than 110 stress-resistant improved varieties. [Sound_bite] Wang Yangdong, chairman, Chinese Academy of Forestry: "The main challenges now lie in lands with harsh conditions, such as saline-alkali soils and the drought-stricken areas in northeast, north, and northwest regions of the country. These areas require varieties that can withstand drought, salinity and, in some cases strong winds. Breeding such varieties will not only help expand greenery but also contribute to a more stable and optimized global ecosystem." [voice_over] Chinese officials said recently that over the course of the past twenty years, China's forest stock volume has increased by more than 7 billion cubic meters. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]