Hainan: Breath of fresh air

Last year, Hainan expanded forested areas by 302 square kilometers, raising the rate of forest coverage to nearly 62 percent.

The government invested 853 million yuan in projects to protect the environment in the urban areas as well as the countryside, including 26 projects to promote the efficient use of energy and resources.

Some 1,000 villages across the province were selected as eco-friendly villages. Five paper mills were shut down last year for excessive pollution, and 22 projects were rejected because of their potential for pollution and energy inefficiency.

At the same time, 35 new garbage transfer stations were built.

This year, the plantation coverage in Hainan's urban areas is aimed at 35 percent increase, according to the provincial government's 2014 work report.

The government plans to build a national tropical rainforest park and a national ocean park.

Other priorities will include the development and promotion of clean energy, green buildings and new-energy vehicles.

Meanwhile, it will continue to fight against deforestation and the illegal discharge of pollutants through stronger enforcement.

"The superior ecological environment is a core resource for Hainan's future development, and a common asset for the people of the entire nation," said Luo Baoming, Party chief of the province.