August 14 (Xinhua) — The Ministry of Natural Resources held a special press conference on ecological protection and restoration on August 14. At the meeting, Qiu Tianchao, Deputy Director of the Rural Economy Department and First-Class Inspector of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said in response to a reporter's question that project-based management of ecological protection and restoration projects must be comprehensively and thoroughly advanced, the guiding role of relevant plans and policies for projects further strengthened, project preparatory work effectively reinforced, and the requirement that "projects follow plans and funds follow projects" strictly implemented, so as to ensure the effective implementation of key projects bearing on national ecological security and regional ecological stability and to ensure that the construction of relevant projects conforms to planning concepts and the philosophy of scientific governance.

Qiu Tianchao pointed out that, given the long-term, complex and arduous nature of ecological protection and restoration work, it is necessary to study and apply the "Xiamen Practice" experience well, take a long-term view, plan in a coordinated manner, and work tirelessly, maintain the stability and continuity of relevant policies, enhance the scientific and systematic nature of various projects, strengthen the pertinence and effectiveness of governance measures, and strive to achieve the sustainability and broad benefits of governance outcomes. With regard to advancing major ecological construction projects specifically, the NDRC will work with relevant departments to jointly implement measures in four areas:

First, in terms of major planning. We will comprehensively study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, and, on the basis of further advancing the implementation of the "Sixth Phase Plan for the Three-North Shelterbelt Program" and the "Master Plan for Major Projects for the Protection and Restoration of Important National Ecosystems (2021-2035)" — the "1+9" plans (that is, one master plan and nine special plans) — accelerate the introduction of the "Master Plan for the Three-North Shelterbelt Program (Revised)", promptly launch research on the key tasks of ecological protection and restoration for the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, systematically plan and propose the phased goals, key tasks and major measures for ecological protection and restoration during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, strive to build a major pattern of protection and governance extending from mountain tops to the sea, and improve the mechanism for integrated protection and systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts.

Second, in terms of project implementation. We will comprehensively and thoroughly advance project-based management of ecological protection and restoration projects, further strengthen the guiding role of relevant plans and policies for projects, effectively reinforce project preparatory work, and strictly implement the requirement that "projects follow plans and funds follow projects", so as to ensure the effective implementation of key projects bearing on national ecological security and regional ecological stability and to ensure that the construction of relevant projects conforms to planning concepts and the philosophy of scientific governance. At the same time, we will strengthen the connection and coordination among relevant key ecological projects, encourage all localities to conduct comprehensive and scientific diagnosis of ecosystem conditions, systematically plan and propose "package" governance solutions tailored to local conditions, and steadily advance them through gradual and multi-pronged approaches, so as to achieve source protection and comprehensive restoration and governance of natural ecosystems.

Third, in terms of technology and investment standards. We will actively cooperate with relevant departments to accelerate the formulation and revision of technical guidelines, technical measures and construction standards for relevant ecological restoration projects, and guide the application of relevant standards in the planning and design of key projects, effectively strengthen pre-project technical review, strive to improve the scientific and rational nature of projects, and strictly prevent ostentatious image projects and bonsai projects carried out in the name of ecological restoration. We will accelerate research and formulation of investment estimation standards in relevant fields, so as to provide a scientific basis for scientifically estimating investment in key projects, making project preparatory work more solid and thorough, and advancing project construction in an orderly manner.

Fourth, in terms of policy and investment support. We will further stabilize policy expectations and continue to effectively increase direct investment in major ecological protection and restoration projects through channels such as central budgetary investment and ultra-long-term special government bonds. We will support all localities in making coordinated use of channels such as local government special bonds and loans from international financial organizations to carry out ecological protection and restoration work, and for eligible projects we will give key support during the project review process. At the same time, we will earnestly implement the relevant arrangements of the State Council on encouraging and supporting social capital to participate in ecological protection and restoration, encourage all localities to guide enterprises in participating in relevant ecological projects in various ways, develop green industries tailored to local conditions, coordinate the scientific protection and sustainable use of natural ecosystems, and strive to achieve the effective transformation of lucid waters and lush mountains into invaluable assets.