The State Council has approved establishing a national innovation demonstration zone for sustainable development in Ordos, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to a circular released on July 15.

The zone should target desertification prevention and control, and green development, the circular said.

While establishing the demonstration zone, the local authority is asked to follow the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and China’s national plan for implementation.

By utilizing technologies such as comprehensive desertification control, water conservation, clean and efficient use of coal, zero-carbon energies, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage, the local government should improve desertification prevention and control, save water resources, accelerate high-quality development of modern energy economy, strengthen husbandry and rural tourism, and boost innovation-driven development in the region.

Ordos will set an example for green and low-carbon development in desertification areas and accumulate practical experiences for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the circular said.

The provincial government should establish coordination mechanisms to support the city in policy implementation. The Ministry of Science and Technology and related organs should offer support in major projects, policy and mechanism innovation, the circular said.