Zhuhai has been cited once again as a model of ecological conservation and for the pursuit of green, coordinated, and sustainable development. The Environmental Protection Bureau said the city was designated as one of 46 Demonstration Cities & Counties of China Ecological Civilization Construction by the Ministry of Environmental Protection on Sept 21.

Vice mayor Zhang Yisheng received the corresponding plaque at the Promotion Conference for National Ecological Civilization Construction held in Anji, Zhejiang Province.

The accreditation acknowledges that each jurisdiction follows National Eco City (County) practices. Original construction indicators were used as basic requirements, while development stages and regional differences were taken into account. The recipients proved to be advanced in ecological progress in accordance with high standards.

The National Eco-Civilization Demonstration City program bolsters the development of a civilized society in harmony with nature so as to achieve ecological sustainability, an official explained.

Promotion Conference for National Ecological Civilization Construction

Zhuhai has persistently balanced development in line with the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." The city has also lived up to the goal of being "a new eco-civilized special economic zone and a demonstration city of scientific development" set by a state leader in 2012.

In 2012, the municipal Party committee and government implemented the strategy for Construction of an Ecological Civilization Demonstration City. The following years have seen Zhuhai city along with Xiangzhou, Jinwan, and Doumen districts each awarded National Eco prizes. Fourteen villages and towns applying for the honor have all passed examinations.

Zhuhai also has been designated a National Environmental Protection Exemplary City, National Ecological Garden, National Hygienic City, National Ecological Demonstration Zone, one of China's Excellent Tourism Cities, one of the Top 10 Happiest Cities in China, among Famous Harmonious Cities, and a National Forest City.

In June 2016, the municipality was also one of the first recipients of the Advanced Collective of China Award for Ecological Civilization.

Rich greenery of Yeli Island [Photos by Li Jianshu/ Zhuhai Daily]