China's environmental protection is facing grave problems, said
State Councilor Hua Jianmin on Thursday, vowing to build an
environmentally-friendly country.
Hua made the remarks at the opening of a ministerial-level
meeting on implementing the Global Program of Action for the
Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Sources (GPA),
initiated by the United Nations Environment
Program(UNEP).?
Environmental protection is one of China's state policies and the
protection of marine environment is a key component. China has been
improving strategies to curb pollution both on land and in water,
said Hua.
"Progress has been made in slowing down the deterioration of the
marine environment in coastal areas and parts of China's sea
areas," he said, "but the government is clear that the situation is
still serious."
Last week, the State Oceanic Administration reported that 14
million hectares of China's coastal areas were polluted.
China will fully implement the GPA and be actively engaged in
curbing land and marine pollution, he said.
Hua also called for global efforts to protect the marine
environment, noting that China will fulfill its promise and
commitments and coordinate with other countries.
(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2006)