A major scientific research academy for environmental protection has been set up in Shijiazhuang, the capital of north China's Hebei Province.

The new academy is an extension of a 25-year old research institute which operated under the provincial environmental protection bureau.

Scientific data and reports of the province's decision-making in the sectors of environmental management and economic development will be kept at the academy. At the same time, researchers will study pollution and environmental protection issues in Hebei.

In addition, the academy will evaluate the environment's influence on major construction projects and offer high-tech support for local environmental-related enterprises. (Xinhua)