Beautification by greening, sand prevention and pollution control will top the agenda of Beijing's environmental construction and the project is of first importance for the Olympics, said Liu Qi, mayor of the Chinese Capital at the 21st meeting of the Greenery Commission of Beijing.

　　"2002 is the first year of 'Green Olympics' and efforts should be made to realize our set targets in greenery construction", noted Liu, also chairman of the Commission.

　　According to the plan, Beijing will plant trees of about 24.3 thousand hectares this year. By year 2007, the forest coverage of the city will hit 50 percent, or 50 square meters per capita, to basically make Beijing a garden city.

　　To take 'Green Olympics' as a turning point, Beijing will establish three systems in environmental construction, namely, high-standard green ecology, green industry with high efficiency and high-level forest protection.

　　One of the themes for Beijing 2008 is a "Green Olympics" as it is selected to host the Games. Hosting of the Games in Beijing will serve as a "catalyst" for environmental improvement and help promote sustainable development in Beijing and China.

　　Beijing's "Action Plan" will turn the capitalsintosa "green city." These plans include reducing automobile emissions, protecting water resources and improving the city's infrastructure. By September 2008 the city's environment will meet the demands to host the Olympic Games in every aspect.