The State Council has approved establishing a national innovation demonstration zone for sustainable development in Guilin, Southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, according to a circular released on Feb 24.

The Guilin zone is expected to center on sustainable utilization of landscape resources, the circular stated.

The zone should be established based on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and China’s national plan of implementation, according to the circular.

Focused on tackling issues of karst desertification and environmental protection, the zone is required to make innovations, and accumulate replicable experiences for southwestern multi-ethnic areas and ecologically vulnerable areas in sustainable development.

According to the circular, Guilin should integrate technologies in ecological management and green agricultural production, carry out landscape resources protection, and develop ecological tourism, ecological agriculture, and the culture plus healthcare industry.

The Ministry of Science and Technology and related departments should offer support to the city, and help solve key issues, the circular stated.