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.