These difficulties are likely to be minimized thanks to a national network which provides updated domestic and overseas information on sustainable development. This information includes implementation details of the 87 priority programmes in China's sustainable development plan, the situation regarding sustainable development in other countries, and policies and documents related to China's sustainable development, according to Wang Qiming, an ACCA 21 official in charge of network operation. By the end of the year, the network will present more information on agricultural and industrial development, reserves and distribution of the country's natural resources, precipitation analysis since the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, global climate changes, and geomorphological conditions in different areas of China. More extensive information will help regional policy-makers work out more scientific economic and social development plans, said Wang. China has made remarkable progress since it implemented sustainable development strategies in 1994, said Lu Lei, an official from the Beijing Office for the United Nations Development Programme.
Sustainable development seeks economic development compatible with the natural environment.
Its implementation should not be restricted to governments, but also involve individuals, enterprises and communities, he said. The protocols were signed last week. Tianjin Ancient Coast and Wetland Nature Reserve and Sanya Coral Reef Nature Reserve in China established partnerships with US-based Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary respectively. The delegation was invited by NOAA director D James Backer. Delegations from both countries agree, given the continuing global population growth, expanding demands for oceanic resources and burdens placed on the oceanic environment, rational utilization of oceans is becoming more difficult to control.