International Environmental Cooperation in China's West

The conference attracted people from the Ministry of Finance, UNDP, World Bank, Global Environment Facility, and the State Forestry Administration, CCTV reported on May 23.

A goal of the one-day meeting was financing China's dream of a greener West by giving it international attention. Forestry protection, bio-diversity, and water conservation on the upper reaches of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers were major topics.

Allan Miller, GEF's funding secretary, said the speeches helped him to review the GEF's funding structure for China's western development. The GEF has promised to put about two hundred thirty million US dollars into sixteen projects in China.

Allen Miller(GEF Secretary)Said: "We are going to address big environment issues, then we have to connect them with national and local issues...In the case of western China..."

But the Finance Ministry says China will also rely on itself and the conference was meant to show the government's commitment to the ecology. And, more will be allocated for a balanced eco-system in the area.

Jin Liqun(Vice-Minister of Finance)Said: "We intend to increase resources by 80 percent, from seven billion yuan to twelve billion yuan to protect the eco-system..."

And, the vice minister said the Chinese government is looking at more than just investment. In addition to the 1.4-billion-US-dollar commitment, the donors also have an abundance of management skills that could help China make a difference.

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