The harmony between man and nature is a principle that the Chinese people have upheld for thousands of years, and in the modern world, ecological development requires innovation and global cooperation, said government officials and scholars at a forum that opened on July 27 in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province.

The Eco-Forum Global, Guiyang, with a focus on "Green economy and inclusive growth in a transformational world", is being promoted as a platform for governments, companies and scholars to showcase their latest achievements and exchange views about ecological development.

Li Jinhua, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that many developing nations, including China, are going to achieve modernization in the next 40 years, and their development must be carried out along green lines.

"The green transformation can lead to great fortune so that all of society can share the fruits of development," said Li.

In addition to progressing along an innovative path toward development, future economic development should focus more on improvements to the public quality of life, balanced distribution of wealth as well as multilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said green economy and inclusive growth are among "the most important issues of our time, because only sustainable development and ecological modernization of the economy can secure the livelihood of future generations".

He also said that China "can and will" play a positive role in ecological modernization.

He added that China and Europe have great potential for cooperation in terms of environmentally friendly development.

"It is in our common interest that China and Europe should work closely together," he said. "This will lead to mutual benefit, which is the consequence of globalization."

Europe can be a partner of China, providing technical know-how with regard to ecological modernization, which is also in the interest of Europe, because "without progress in China, the prevention of climate change and creation of a sustainable energy supply cannot be achieved", he said.

Zhao Kezhi, the Party chief and governor of Guizhou, said the province is attempting an innovative development path that "can break the confines of resources and allow all people to enjoy the achievement of economic development".

One of the projects is an emigration plan launched this year, under which 1.5 million residents who live in forested areas will move to townships and industrial zones to improve ecological conditions inside forests, and at the same time, residents will be offered jobs.

"Ecological improvement requires everyone's hard work, but it also needs us to cooperate, sharing opportunities and facing challenges together," Zhao said.

Zhou Qifeng, president of Peking University, also called for innovation in terms of ecological education. "Universities should be models of sustainability, setting up eco-friendly examples for communities."

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the CPPCC national committee, said in a letter to the forum, that the event, which has been held for four consecutive years, is playing an active role in exploring ecological development models, promoting experience, and the theme of this year's forum caters to the world trend of green economy and sustainable development.

The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology has launched a series of projects to treat pollution, develop new energy and materials, and protect the natural environment.

It also encourages companies to venture into industries involved in environmental protection.

Contact the writers at yangjun@chinadaily.com.cn and zhangzhao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 07/28/2012 page14)