World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
China reports progress on 33 island development projects
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources released a progress report on 33 islands in a national development programme at a forum in Pingtan, Fujian.
The ministry began the programme in 2022, and the first islands received the designation in 2023.
Over three years, projects restored more than 200 kilometres of coastline and about 1,600 hectares of vegetation, while more than 70% of damaged island ecosystems were restored.
Infrastructure upgrades improved power, communications and transport, including work on ports and more than 380 kilometres of roads and coastal paths.
The islands also developed marine farming, with more than 30 national- or provincial-level demonstration areas.
Disaster protection work included safer sea walls and hillside repairs, alongside measures to protect beaches and dunes.
The ministry plans to prepare further development plans, improve evaluation rules and promote the programme’s experience.
A report says China’s first 33 “Beautiful and Harmonious Islands” made progress in ecological protection, livelihoods, green development and disaster prevention over three years.
The islands were selected in 2023 under a programme launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources in 2022.
More than 200 kilometres of coastline and about 1,600 hectares of vegetation were restored, while about 1,800 hectares of coastal wetlands were rehabilitated.
The report also cites upgrades to more than 40 ports and roll-on/roll-off berths, and construction or renovation of more than 380 kilometres of island roads and coastal paths.
It was released during a China–Island Countries Ocean Cooperation Forum held in Pingtan, Fujian, on November 3 and 4.
- Who
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and the first 33 islands designated as “Beautiful and Harmonious Islands.
- What
- A report said the islands’ development projects had made progress in environmental restoration, infrastructure, industry and disaster resilience.
- When
- The report was released during a forum on November 3–4, after three years of construction work.
- Where
- The projects were carried out on islands in China. The forum was held in Pingtan, Fujian.
- Why
- The programme aims to develop model islands while advancing ecological protection, improved livelihoods and green development.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Ministry of Natural Resources launched the Beautiful and Harmonious Islands demonstration programme.
Thirty-three islands were selected and awarded the Beautiful and Harmonious Islands designation.
The China–Island Countries Ocean Cooperation Forum was held in Pingtan, Fujian.
The Ministry of Natural Resources’ Island Research Center released a report on progress across the first 33 islands.
- Islands selected
- 33
- Coastline restored
- More than 200 kilometres
- Vegetation restored
- About 1,600 hectares
- Coastal wetlands restored
- About 1,800 hectares
- Ports and roll-on/roll-off berths upgraded
- More than 40
- Roads and coastal paths built or renovated
- More than 380 kilometres
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What people are saying
Next, we will accelerate the preparation and implementation of plans for building Beautiful and Harmonious Islands.