BEIJING — The Ministry of Finance (MOF) on May 20 released management measures of the funds for marine ecological protection and restoration.

The funds refer to the transfer payment funds of the central government through the general public budget to support marine ecological protection and restoration, the MOF said in an online statement.

The use of the funds should give priority to protection measures and natural restoration while cutting unnecessary spending, it said.

The funds will support the protection of coastal zones, mangroves and islands, as well as restoration of mangroves, coastlines, coastal zones, sea areas and islands, it said.

The path of green development is vital for China, as the country has stepped up rolling out measures to enhance environmental protection.