The State Council has approved a national territorial-space plan from 2021 to 2035 for the eco-green integrated development demonstration zone in the Yangtze River Delta, it said in a reply released on Feb 21.

The demonstration zone must retain at least 766,000 mu (51,066.67 hectares) of farmland by 2035, including no less than 665,400 mu of permanent farmland, under the target set by the plan.

It specified that areas encircled in red lines for ecological protection in the zone should cover at least 143.32 square kilometers, and the coverage of planned construction land should be controlled within 803.6 square kilometers.

The circular stressed that development of the demonstration zone should target ecological priority and green development, protect and inherit cultural and natural values generated from the rich regional resources and unique geographical features.

Integrated development of green economy, high-standard life and sustainable growth in the zone should be focused on infrastructure interconnectivity, shared public services and joint efforts in ecological environment governance and protection.

Governments of Shanghai municipality, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces were asked to strengthen organization, leadership to divide responsibilities, enhance work mechanism and improve facilitated policies and measures.

Ministry of Natural Resources should coordinate and work with departments involved to guide, supervise and evaluate the work, the circular said, adding that major issues occurred in implementing the plan must be reported and requested for instructions in a timely manner.