The certificate to honor Liu Zhanxian, chairman of Inner Mongolia Highland Almond Juice Co Ltd, for his contributions in preserving the environment, is pictured at an award ceremony held in Beijing, on Dec 27, 2018. [Photo/WeChat account of Ordos News]

A businessman from Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, was recognized for his efforts in planting trees in the city, with a national award given out at a biennial award ceremony held in Beijing, on Dec 27, 2018. 

The seventh National Glory Undertaking Award for Afforestation, an award designed to honor entrepreneurs across the country for their efforts in preserving the environment, was granted to 40 businessmen at the event, with Liu Zhanxian, chairman of Inner Mongolia Highland Almond Juice Co Ltd based in Ordos, included in the list. 

Since 2007, Liu has been dedicated to establishing large-scale apricot groves and by doing so providing employment to local farmers. He has been providing the seedlings and tools to local farmers, as well as helping to train them on how to plant and grow trees. 

Over the past decade, he made valuable contributions in preserving the environment and bringing economic benefits to low-income local residents. By the end of 2017, the total apricot plantation area had reached 800,000 mu (53,333 hectares), claimed Liu’s company. 

The National Glory Undertaking Award for Afforestation was initiated by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the China Glory Society.

Liu Zhanxian, chairman of Inner Mongolia Highland Almond Juice Co Ltd, is pictured at an award ceremony held in Beijing, on Dec 27, 2018. [Photo/WeChat account of Ordos News]