ecological economic zone set to promote new development pattern
by li linxu
to accelerate its transition to a green, low-carbon, and high-quality development, china has approved a plan to establish the dongting lake ecological economic zone.
dongting lake, china's second largest freshwater lake, is located in the middle reaches of the yangtze river, and possesses an important regulation capability in the yangtze river basin.
listed as one of the 200 most important ecological areas in the world by the world wide fund for nature, the lake is an important staging, wintering and feeding site for migratory birds, and provides a breeding ground and sanctuary for important aquatic species.
migratory birds flying over dongting lake. (photo: xinhua)
meanwhile, the region is also one of the country's most important production bases of grain, cotton, oil-bearing crops, and fish.
the newly designated zone is tasked with implementing the new development philosophy, accelerating the establishment of a new development pattern, and promoting innovation-driven development, according to a notice recently released by the state council.
it is urged to build a harmonious relationship between people and water, and promote green transformation and upgrading of industries.
efforts will be made to improve people's living standards, coordinate development and security, and comprehensively deepen reform and opening-up, while also prioritizing environmental protection and restoration.
the policy is a follow-up to the 20th cpc national congress report, pledging to prioritize ecological protection, conserve resources and use them efficiently, and pursue green and low-carbon development.
