China’s Chongming Island recognised by UNEP as green economy model
World’s largest alluvial island and least developed district of Shanghai hailed in UNEP report for eco-development and green economy vision
Chongming Island in Shanghai, China, has been recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a recommended model of green economic development.
The Island is a Chinese experiment as they seek to determine the most effective way of developing a green economy.
UNEP published its evaluation report on the ecological status of Chongming Island last week; it is the world’s largest alluvial island and the least developed district of China’s commercial hub of Shanghai.
Chongming was approved as a national development zone for sustainable development in 2010 and covers an area of 1,267 square km.
UNEP was invited by the Chinese government to evaluate the eco-island construction project and Achim Steiner, UNEP’s Executive Director, said in the report that the core values of Chongming’s eco-development reflect UNEP’s green economy vision.
Development on the island, which has a population of some 600,000, has effectively integrated social, environmental and economic perspectives, according to UNEP’s evaluation.
Chongming has a unique setting as a rural county within a highly-urbanised municipality. It mirrors the complicated challenges and pressures that the world’s ecosystems face today, including food security, poverty eradication and creating a sustainable future.
The island’s wetlands have been preserved, and its traditional village has been renovated and preserved. Green and organic agriculture and eco-friendly industries have developed as economic pillars.
UNEP’s report says Chongming can serve as “an ideal ecological demonstration area in Shanghai, and as a special region which focuses on ecological civilization to serve as a world model.”
After three decades of rapid economic growth at the expense of the environment, many cities in China have seen depleted resources and aggravated pollution. Local governments are looking for ways to achieve economic transition for sustainable development.
UNEP suggested that the Chongming model can be promoted in China as an example in developing a green economy for less developed regions.
