Haimen: A blend of economic development and ecological protection

A bird's-eye view of Haimen district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

Haimen district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, has in recent years made significant strides in improving its ecological environment.

The achievements are largely due to the implementation of a series of measures rolled out by authorities, including strengthening efforts to treat sewage, developing a circular economy and conducting ecological restoration.

In terms of treating sewage, authorities have adopted measures such as shutting down chemical enterprises and transforming and upgrading industries, with 32 chemical production enterprises within a one-kilometer range along the Haimen section of the Yangtze River having been closed.

The industrial "rust belt" has been transformed into an ecological corridor connecting Dongbuzhou Long BeachPark, Qinglong Port 1806 Scenic Area, and Jiangong Lake Green Belt.

Authorities have also been focusing on establishing a complete circular economic system by attracting clean power projects and advancing the upgrading and transformation of its traditional pillar industries including printing and dyeing as well as manufacturing sectors.

The district is currently home to one national intelligent manufacturing demonstration factory, 55 provincial little giant enterprises, and 270 high-tech companies.

In addition, the local government has channeled more resources into ecological restoration, including carrying out soil remediation, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, launching 60 sewage treatment projects, and bolstering afforestation.

To date, Haimen has established 562,000 mu (37,466.67 hectares) of high-standard farmland and five sewage treatment plants with a sewage treatment capacity of 260,000 metric tons per day. The forest coverage rate in the district is 23.8 percent, while the per capita green space area in urban areas stands at 15.13 square meters.

The interior of an intelligent factory in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/ntjoy.com]