8-7 Comprehensive Pilot Area for
Human Settlement Construction and Sustainable Development
A. Sustainable Development through Industrial Transformation and Cleaner Production: Benxi City
as A Demonstration Project
8-7a Sustainable Development
through Industrial Transformation and Cleaner Production: Benxi City
Project Scope and Relationship to China's Agenda 21
This project seeks to further the sustainable development of Benxi - a city so polluted by heavy industry that it was once invisible in satellite photographs - through a strategy emphasizing clean production, transition to supporting industries based on renewable natural resources, advanced pollution control methods and ecosystem protection. The project is based on the sustainable development and capacity building objectives of programme area 6B of China's Agenda 21, and will contribute to a number of related fields including atmospheric protection of the atmosphere; conservation of land, water, energy and biodiversity resources; improvement of human settlements; and sustainable development of industry (programme areas 10C, 12B, 14E, 15A, 16B, and 18A).
1. Background
Benxi City, located in the eastern area of Liaoning Province, is a leading centre for heavy industry in China, with emphasis on iron and steel, cement and coal. It is an important provider of water resources to industry, agriculture and urban residents throughout the lower reaches of the Taizi River, and its eastern mountain regions function as "green natural barriers" for the central Liaoning Province.
As a major industrial centre, Benxi is also battling a serious pollution problem, particularly with respect to sulphur dioxide and total suspended particulate. In the early 1980s, world environmental organizations claimed that Benxi was "an invisible city," so shrouded in a cloud of pollution that it could not be viewed by satellite. The city's reliance on heavy industry has also slowed the development of subsequent industries and adversely affected Benxi's economic development.
The environment of the nearby mountainous region of Eastern Liaoning Province has also suffered acute damage. Destruction of the natural ecosystem has led to serious soil erosion and water loss totalling about 6 million tons per year, as well as a vicious cycle of alternating floods and drought every two years. In 1960, for example, floods destroyed over 530 ha. of farmland, stopped production at more than 30 enterprises, and caused over US $15 million in direct economic losses. Conversely, the 1985 drought severely affected the harvest in over 8660 ha. of farmland and nearly cut off the Taizi River urban water supply.
Serious work to control these environmental problems began in the 1980s. After visits to the region by senior government officials, the central government approved a special pollution control fund and adopted a number of related resolutions and plans. Research was performed on the urban atmosphere and water environmental capabilities, and the 8th Five-Year Plan included a key research project on the restoration of Benxi's urban environment. Wide ranging relations have been established with domestic and international academic institutes.
Some progress has also been made to restore the natural environment of the eastern mountain regions. In some small valleys, forest coverage has risen to over 60%, soil erosion and water loss has been controlled in 0.2 million ha. of land, and the frequency of flooding has been reduced to once every 50-100 years. The central government has confirmed these results and extended them to similar areas nationwide.
Despite these accomplishments, Benxi continues to be plagued by severe pollution, sluggish economic development and degradation of nearby ecosystems. China is now seeking international support for a long-term sustainable development strategy emphasizing cleaner production, transition to supporting industries based on recyclable natural resources, advanced pollution control strategies and ecosystem protection. The results of such a project could not only benefit Liaoning Province but also serve as a model for other seriously polluted cities.
2. Objectives
Long-term Objectives
To promote the sustainable development of Benxi and the eastern mountain regions of Liaoning Province. Provide a model for industrial transformation and environmental improvements in other centres of heavy industry suffering from serious pollution.
Immediate Objectives
- Develop strategies, plans and measures for the sustainable development of Benxi.
- Adopt clean production technologies for major heavy industries.
- Adjust the industrial structure of Benxi by establishing new supporting industries based on recyclable resources. Increase the output of such industries from the current 5 to 20%.
- Bring ambient air quality into compliance with applicable standards, control water pollution and establish a system for recycling solid wastes.
- Restore the environment of the eastern mountainous regions.
3. Activities
3.1 Develop strategies, plans and measures for the sustainable development of Benxi.
- Obtain information about related research on sustainable development in other countries.
- Study the evolution of laws regarding the complex relationships between economy, society and the environment.
- Develop and verify an index system for the sustainable development of Benxi.
- Adopt a program and measures for the sustainable development of Benxi.
The duration of this activity will be two years.
3.2 Formulate and implement a developmental model for transforming the outmoded production methods of heavy industry into cleaner ones with higher efficiency and lower consumption.
- Adopt plans to transform the outmoded production methods of traditional heavy industries into clean ones with lower input and higher output.
- Select several major enterprises to apply key technology and equipment from foreign and domestic industries.
The duration of this activity will be six years.
3.3 Adjust the industrial and product structure to establish gradually new supporting industries based on recyclable natural resources.
- Establish production and processing bases for ox, cashmere goats, hawthorns, mountainous wild vegetables, fragrant rice, stock potato and improved crop breeds.
- Create centres for producing enzymatic preparations and cultivating edible mushrooms.
- Establish centres for cultivating Chinese herbs.
- Set up areas for breeding trout, producing non staple foods, cultivating genetic hybrids and producing green foods.
The duration of this activity will be six years.
3.4 Improve the control and management of environmental pollution.
- Control low level atmospheric pollution sources through clean energy technology and pollution control technology.
- Establish a pilot project for the licensing of emission sources for atmospheric pollutants.
- Utilize dust removal and desulphurization methods at major pollution sources.
- Adopt technologies for resource recovery of industrial solid wastes.
The duration of this activity will be six years.
3.5 Restore the natural environment of 7 river valleys in the eastern mountainous region, totalling 2,100 km2.
- Plant over 6,660 ha. of green belts for the purpose of water and soil conservation, water resource conservation and protection of embankments.
- Transform over 13,330 ha. of secondary forests into mixed forests by planting coniferous and broadleaf trees.
- Restore over 6,660 ha. of barren mountains with greenery.
- Build 10 reservoirs and 10 energy-efficient hydro power stations to add over 3 billion m3 of water storage capacity and over 10 million kW of generating capacity.
- Establish one sustainable agriculture school and several cleaner production training centres.
- Establish conservation centres for endangered plant and animal species in the Laotuding Natural Reserve.
The duration of this activity will be six years.
The implement agencies of project will be the State Economic and Trade Commission, the State Science and Technology Commission, and local government.
4. Inputs
The funding needed for the project is approximately US $37.00 million.
Budget (in million US dollars)
| Items |  Chinese Inputs |
International InputGrantSoft-loan |
Total |
| Experts | 1.00 | 0.15 |
1.15 |
| Equipment and instrument |
5.00 | 0.258.00 |
13.25 |
| Training | 1.50 | 0.20 |
1.70 |
| Demonstration | 1.50 | 0.201.00 |
2.70 |
| Capacity building | 4.00 | 0.206.00 |
10.20 |
| Rsource development | 3.00 | 4.00 |
7.00 |
| Miscellaneous | 1.00 | |
1.00 |
| Total | 17.00 | 1.0019.00 |
37.00 |
5. Benefits
By the year 2000, this project should greatly improve the environmental quality of Benxi, the "invisible city" through the development of cleaner production methods, new supporting industries based on renewable natural resources, and advanced pollution control methods. The project will also restore the natural environment of the eastern mountainous regions. The results of the project can provide useful experiences for the sustainable development of other serious polluted areas of heavy industry.
8-7b Sustainable Development and Enhancement of Women's Status in Hainan Province
Project Scope and Relationship to China's Agenda 21
This project is designed as a model for the sustainable development of poor rural areas by improving the access of women to adequate education and employment opportunities, health care and family planning. This project is based on Chapter 8 of China's Agenda 21 - Combatting Poverty - and will contribute to enhancing the participation of women in sustainable development, population growth control, provision of health care in rural areas, and sustainable agriculture and industry development (Chapters 7, 9, 10, 12, and 20).
1. Background
Two of the major constraints factors to sustainable development in China are poverty and population pressure, which can in turn be traced in to a large extent to the unequal status and lack of participation of women. Women in China, especially those in rural areas, are shouldering the double task of social production and child bearing, but do not have adequate or equal access to education, employment opportunities, health services, family planning services non adequate political participation and representation. This project seeks to address this situation on a model scale by enhancing the status of poor minority women in the southern island province of Hainan.
In Hainan, especially in the central mountain areas, natural resources are limited, agricultural productivity and income are low, and unsustainable slash and burn methods are leading to deforestation and ecosystem destruction. High birth rates are perpetuating the cycle of poverty, yet access to education, health and family planning services, and means to obtain more sustainable livelihoods are virtually nonexistent.
In 1990, China established the International Advisory Council on the Economic Development of Hainan in Harmony With the Natural Environment" After extensive investigation, this Council made a number of important recommendations now being implemented by the Hainan provincial government, including the development of sustainable agriculture practices and related industries. This project seeks to build on those recommendations, with an emphasis on enhancing the opportunities for women to participate in these developments, and to gain access to adequate education, health care and family planning services.
2. Objectives
Long-term Objectives
To further the sustainable development of Hainan, alleviate poverty, limit population growth and enhance the status of minority women through a program of improved education, health and family planning services and the development of sustainable agricultural practices and related industries. Disseminate the results of this project throughout China as a model for the sustainable development of poor rural areas.
Immediate Objectives
- To develop a plan for the sustainable development and enhancement of women's status in five areas in the central mountain region of Hainan.
- To strengthen the provision of health care in the Maoyang Region.
- To establish an educational centre in Hongqi Town to provide professional training and employment opportunities for 20,000 women in the childbearing years.
- To establish a family planning and health centre in the Guilinyang Region to provide family planning services and pre- and postnatal care to 100,000 women.
- To establish a centre in the Lingshan Region for the development of sustainable food-based industries.
3. Activities
3.1 Develop a plan for the sustainable development and enhancement of women's status in five areas in the central mountain region of Hainan.
- Develop a plan for the town of Maoyang in the city of Tongshi (a poor area inhabited by minority nationalities), the Hongqi Town in Qiongshan, Yunlong Town in the revolutionary area, the Lingshang Town and the developing region of Guilinyang.
3.2 Strengthen the provision of health care in the Maoyang region.
- Establish a centre of health protection and disease prevention for women and children.
- Establish a medical treatment centre.
- Develop a centre for the prevention and monitoring of malaria.
- Establish a centre for the monitoring and prevention of Mediterranean anaemia.
3.3 Establish an educational centre in Hongqi town to provide professional training and employment opportunities for 20,000 women in the childbearing years.
- Establish a professional training centre for rural women in Hongqi.
- Establish a comprehensive agriculture service centre to train women in sustainable agricultural practices and related industries.
3.4 Establish a family planning and health centre in the Guilinyang region to provide family planning services and pre- and postnatal care to 100,000 women.
- Establish a family planning centre
- Establish a medical centre for pre- and postnatal care.
- Establish an educational centre for children.
3.5 Establish a centre in Lingshan region for the development of sustainable food-based industries.
- Develop sustainable agriculture and food-based industries including livestock and wholesale markets, fodder processing factory, tropical fruit preservation plant, farming and side-line production.
This project will be implemented by local government of Hainan Province, under the supervision of the State Science and Technology Commission and the State Planning Commission.
The duration of this project will be two and half years.
4. Inputs
Total funding for this project is US $1.5 million,
including US $0.75 million from domestic inputs (US $0.5 million from the Chinese
government funding, US $0.25 million from Chinese enterprises and social groups) and $0.75
million from international grant assistance.
Table 1. Budget (in million US dollars)
| Items | Chinese Inputs |
International Input |
Total |
| Expert fees | |
0.05 | 0.05 |
| Instrument and facilities |
0.30 | 0.60 | 0.90 |
| Capital construction | 0.25 | |
0.25 |
| Project suspension | 0.10 | |
0.10 |
| Staff training | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.20 |
| Total | 0.75 | 0.75 | 1.50 |
Table 2. Budget (in million US dollars)
| Activity |
Chinese Inputs |
External Grant |
Total |
| 3.1 | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.05 |
| 3.2 | 0.15 | 0.30 | 0.45 |
| 3.3 | 0.14 | 0.20 | 0.34 |
| 3.4 | 0.20 | 0.02 | 0.22 |
| 3.5 | 0.22 | 0.22 | 0.44 |
| Total | 0.75 | 0.75 | 1.50 |
5. Benefits
This action will not only benefit the women of Hainan by enhancing their access to adequate health, education and employment opportunities, but in turn will further the sustainable development of the region by alleviating poverty, limiting population growth, raising the general level of health, and providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. This project can serve as a model for sustainable development and enhancing the status of women in other poor rural areas of China.
8-7c Sustainable Development of A Small Town in the Huai River Flood Plain
Project Scope and Relationship to China's Agenda 21
This project seeks to further the sustainable development of Maoji, a small town in Anhui Province mired in poverty and frequently devastated by floods and drought. This project was developed in accordance with chapter 10 of China's Agenda 21 - Development of Sustainable Human Settlement - and will contribute to the eradication of poverty, meeting of basic health care needs, sustainable agriculture and rural development, promoting the establishment of disaster prevention measures and mitigation systems (Chapters 8A, 9A, 11G and 17B).
1. Background
Maoji, a small town located near the convergence of the Huaihe and Xifeihe Rivers in Fengtai County, Anhui Province, has suffered repeatedly from a vicious cycle of flooding and drought. Nearly two-thirds of the town's total population of 32,900 live in the flood area of nearby Dongfeng Lake. The average annual income is only about US $50 per capita in the flood area. Local industry is undeveloped and available medical staff, facilities and technology are insufficient to meet the needs of the population. Although Fengtai county has some basic flood control facilities, insufficient funds have prevented the establishment of adequate disaster prevention, warning and mitigation systems.
In accordance with Agenda 21 and the International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction, China has selected Maoji to serve as a model small town for work on sustainable development and disaster prevention and mitigation. This project seeks to support the development of sustainable agricultural practices and village industries; gradually move the population away from the floodplain into the town; establish a comprehensive disaster prevention, warning and mitigation system; and improve the delivery of medical and social services.
2. Objectives
Long-term Objectives
- Further the sustainable development of Maoji through the development of sustainable agricultural practices and village and town industries; reduce or prevent the devastating impacts of flood and drought; alleviate poverty and improve health and social services. Disseminate the results of this project to serve as a model for the sustainable development of other small towns located in flood areas.
Immediate Objectives
- Develop sustainable agricultural practices and industries to improve the livelihood of the residents and reduce the impact of floods and droughts
- Establish sustainable village and town industries based on food storage and transportation and agricultural products processing
- Organize a comprehensive disaster management and mitigation system
- Take steps to prevent further flooding and drought disasters by gradually moving the residents away from the floodplain area into the town, strengthening the dikes, and increasing irrigation capacity
- Establish a model project for improving health and social services
3. Activities
These activities will be implemented by the local governments, under the organization of the State Planning Commission and the State Science and Technology Commission.
3.1 Develop sustainable agricultural practices and industries to improve the livelihood of the residents and reduce the impact of floods and droughts.
- Using fodder, build a middle-scale fodder processing factory, and produce a "green foods" facility
- Develop special aquatic products and a model for three-dimensional cultivation of eel, crab and soft-shelled turtle
- Develop high-production sustainable agricultural techniques that can produce stable yields despite drought or excessive rain
The duration of this activity will be 10 years.
3.2 Establish sustainable village and town industries based on food storage and transportation and farmland products processing.
- Establish industries based on the storage and transportation of food
- Establish a refined food processing base (mixed fodder, refined rice processing, comprehensive food), with agricultural and by-products as raw materials. Establish a production-storage-processing cycle
The duration of this activity will be 10 years.
3.3 Organize a comprehensive disaster management and mitigation system.
- Establish an emergency management system for flood prevention and mitigation
- Establish a flood warning system in Maoji
- Establish a system of disaster mitigation including stockpiling of materials and protection of assets
- Organize an administrative body which will be responsible for disaster mitigation
The duration of this activity will be 10 years.
3.4 Take steps to prevent further flooding and drought by gradually moving the residents away from the floodplain area into the town, strengthening the dikes, and increasing irrigation capacity.
- Expand and improve the residential area of Maoji
- Gradually move the residents away from the floodplain area and into the town
- Strengthen the capacity of the dike for flood defense and ensure the safety of dikes and farmlands during floods
- Increase the irrigation area by building an irrigation station of 1000 kw
The duration of this activity will be 10 years.
3.5 Establish a model project for improved health and social services.
- Develop a comprehensive social system for residential safety and sanitation
- Establish a central hospital for basic health care and endemic diseases
The duration of this activity will be 5 years.
4. Inputs
4.1 Chinese Inputs
- Project management
- Transportation and business facilities for domestic experts and other staff
- Other available facilities in China
- Construction facilities
4.2 International cooperation
- Technology transfer
- Development of sustainable food production systems and facilities
- Expert consultation and staff training
- Flood prevention project
- Model project on sustainable agriculture
4.3 Budget
Total funding for the project is about US $8.4 million, including $5.47 million in domestic funds, US $0.8 million in loans, US $1.48 million in soft loans, and US $.65 million in grant assistance.
Budget (in million US dollars)
| Activity |
Chinese Inputs |
External Inputs GrantSoft-loanLoan |
Total |
| 3.1 | |
0.15 |
0.15 |
| 3.2 | 1.52 | 0.73 |
2.25 |
| 3.3 | 1.75 | 0.75 |
2.50 |
| 3.4 | 1.20 | 0.80 |
2.00 |
| 3.5 | 1.00 | 0.50 |
1.50 |
| Total | 5.47 | 0.651.480.80 |
8.40 |
5. Benefits
This project will further sustainable development of Maoji,
effectively diminish the effects of flooding, and strengthen its flood defense and
mitigation capacity. It will serve as a model for sustainable agriculture and development
for other small towns which are often devastated by flood and drought.
8-7d
Sustainable Development of A Model Large City: Shenyang's Shenhe District
Project Scope and Relationship to China's Agenda 21
This project seeks to further the sustainable development of Shenhe through a comprehensive program of planning, education, social and health services, infrastructure and development of sustainable industries. It was developed in accordance with chapter 10 of China's Agenda 21 - Development Sustainable Human Settlement - and will contribute to the provision of health and social services and sustainable development of industry, transportation and communications (Chapters 9 and 12).
1. Background
The Shenhe district in Shenyang City, the largest city in northeast China is selected, as the model for demonstrating the sustainable development of a large city. The district of Shenhe, in the centre area of Shenyang, has an area of 17.6 square kilometres and a population of 560,000. Shenhe, which dates back 2400 years, is now the political, economic and cultural centre of Shenyang as well as an important business centre. It also boasts of good transportation and communication systems, as well as two famous historical sites.
Despite these accomplishments, Shenhe is suffering from a number of outdated facilities and technologies; inadequate living conditions, social services, education, family planning and employment opportunities; substandard environmental protection; and poor planning and management. This project seeks to address these issues and further the sustainable development of Shenhe through a comprehensive program of planning, education, social and health services, infrastructure and development of sustainable industries.
2. Objectives
Long-term Objectives
- Further the sustainable development of the Shenhe district of Shenyang and serve as a model for other middle and large cities in China through the implementation of a comprehensive model program of planning, education, social and health services, infrastructure and development of sustainable industries.
- Raise the percentage of those with basic education to over 98%, the percentage of those with higher education to over 40.8%, the birth rate to within 8 per million, the percentage of women and children receiving adequate prenatal and postnatal care to over 95%, the average life expectancy to 72.6 years. Increase the percentage of land covered with greenery to 22%, with an average green area of 4.5 square meters.
Immediate Objectives
- Revise and perfect the overall planning for the sustainable development of Shenhe and the overall improvement of human life.
- Strengthen the provision of regional health, social and educational services.
- Improve environmental protection through technology development, and improved monitoring and enforcement.
- Strengthen communication and transportation facilities and other basic infrastructures.
- Develop the only undeveloped area of Shenhe as a centre for the "third industry," emphasizing trade, information and tourism services.
3. Activities
3.1 Revise and perfect the overall planning for the sustainable development of Shenhe and the overall improvement of human life.
- Revision the present and future social development plans of Shenhe according to the policies and objectives of sustainable development, concentrating not only on rapid economic development, but also on the development of social services and environmental protection.
- Establish international exchange and training programs, develop human resources, provide employment opportunities, strengthen the capacity for sustainable development.
3.2 Strengthen the provision of regional health and social services.
- Develop various social insurance programs, such as social security and medical insurance programs, and establish a comprehensive insurance industry.
- Establish a multi-functional regional service centre to serve the needs of a large population, including a retirement centre and children's centre.
- Establish a mental health rehabilitation centre.
3.3 Strengthen educational, training and family planning programs.
- Improve the Shenhe family planning service centre through educational programs, medical management and improved technology.
- Establish a 21st century experimental private school with a focus on sustainable development.
- Develop basic education, strengthen professional education, emphasize adult education, build labourer education and training, add sustainable development to the curriculum of middle and primary schools, increase public awareness of sustainable development.
3.4 Improve environmental protection through technology development, and improved monitoring and enforcement.
- Develop and expand the use of environmental pollution control technologies.
- Modernize and automate environmental monitoring facilities.
- Develop programs to improve enforcement of environmental regulations and standards.
3.5 Strengthen communication and transportation facilities and other basic infrastructures.
- Build a model residency project.
- Improve communications in accordance with the overall plan; carry out a light-track project; coordinate the development of bicycle, vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- Develop and construct basic infrastructure, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life. Provide municipal water supplies drainage, power, heat, gas and communication facilities.
3.6 Enhance development of the areas of Shenhe as a centre for the tertiary industry," emphasizing trade, information and tourism services.
- Plan, develop and construct the only undeveloped area of 1 square kilometre as the centre for "third industry," with a focus on trade, information, tourism, service and science. Build the Zhongjie street into the first business street in northeast China, forming a model for the rest of China.
This project will be implemented by the Government of Shenhe district in the city of Shenyang, under the supervision of the State Planning Commission and the State Science and Technology Commission.
The duration of this activity will be five years
4. Inputs
4.1 Chinese Inputs
- Project management
- Training
- Basic construction and communication facilities
- Monitoring, educational and business facilities
- Materials and data
4.2 International cooperation
- Training
- Rehabilitation facilities and modernized audio-visual facilities
- Transfer of energy efficient and environmental technologies
- International experts
4.3 Budget
Total funding for this project is US $ 20 million, including $10 million in domestic funds, $2 million in loans, $6.3 million in soft loans and $1.7 million in international grant assistance. The government of Shenhe in Shenyang is responsible for repayment of the loans.
Budget (in million US dollars)
| Items | Chinese Inputs |
External InputsGrantSoft-LoanLoan |
Total |
| Expert group | 0.10 | |
0.10 |
| Staff training | 0.10 | 0.20 |
0.30 |
| Information collection | 0.20 | 0.15 |
0.35 |
| Technology introduction and development |
0.70 | 0.150.50 |
1.35 |
| Offical | 0.50 | |
0.50 |
| Infrastructures | 6.00 | 3.000.50 |
9.50 |
| Project management | 0.10 | 0.10 |
0.20 |
| Instruments and equipment |
2.00 | 1.002.501.50 |
7.00 |
| Miscellaneous | 0.30 | 0.100.30 |
0.70 |
| Total | 10.00 | 1.706.302.00 |
20.00 |
5. Benefits
This project will improve the lives of the population of Shenhe
in the areas of education, health, social services, family planning, environmental
protection, communications, transportation, employment and basic services. It will serve
as a model for the sustainable development of other middle and large cities in China.
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