Many Eastern Asian nations have begun in recent years to improve
their environmental regulation policies. The establishment of
government agencies and ministries is an important first step in
improving the environment. Other institutions are also coming
about, and will likely grow as public awareness increases.
Often, broad government policy initiatives are stated. Examples
include China, and Malaysia, where the Malaysian Environmental
Quality Act provides direction in many areas of environmental
concern. To fight land degradation, governments are trying to
conserve soil and water resources, protect forests, regain lost
land, and refertilize poor soil. Watershed management programs
in countries such as Nepal and India are also being used. China
has been extremely successful in fighting soil erosion since it
began its struggle in 1983. The country's programs have saved
two million hectares, and have rescued land lost to
desertification. Many countries have created wildlife areas and
forest parks to prevent com