China has issued a report on ecological protection, just before World Environment Day, which falls on Monday, pledging to adopt a string of measures for the improvement of the environment.

 

The report shows that China has already established more than 2300 nature reserves, which make up 15 percent of the country’s land area. But fragile habitats still exist in over 6 percent of the county.

 

Officials from the State Environmental Protection Administration pointed out that the trend of environmental deterioration has not been effectively curbed, due to inadequate per capita resources.

 

The report, released on Sunday, says China will take six steps to improve the environment.

 

Firstly, China will take rigid measures to deal with cases of ecological sabotage, while improving ecological protection laws, regulations and standards.

 

Secondly, the country will improve the economic policy regarding ecological protection, and the reduction of environmental pollution will be included in the national budget.

 

Thirdly, an environmental monitoring system will be improved, and China will set up emergency management measures and carry out environmental evaluations.

 

Fourthly, China will earmark more funding for ecological improvement and will establish an audit system to optimize ecological, economic and social benefits.

 

Fifthly, environment education must be intensified to raise the public’s awareness of resource-saving and ecological protection measures.

 

Finally, China will strengthen its cooperation with the rest of world to introduce more foreign funds, advanced technology, and management experience.

 

(CRI June 5, 2006)