Fujian becomes testing ground for greener economy

Fujian province announced over the weekend that it has been designated China's first environmental protection pilot zone, which gives it the green light to test a series of measures aimed at energy efficiency, emissions reductions and government accountability.

The provincial government made the announcement on Saturday, citing a March 10 decision by the State Council.

The measures to be implemented include audits of officials to examine their efforts on and financial budgets for environment protection - even after officials leave their posts - and registering natural resources, such as bodies of water and forests, as intellectual property. The plan also includes economic measures that lead to the development of cleaner industries.