The State Council has approved a national territorial spatial plan for Yangtze River Economic Belt-Yangtze River basin for the 2021-2035 period, according to an official reply released on Feb 9.

According to the reply, by 2035, the total area of cultivated land in Yangtze River Economic Belt-Yangtze River basin should be no less than 599.74 million mu, of which the protection area for permanent basic farmland will be no less than 498.45 mu, the red line area for ecological protection should not be less than 806,600 square kilometers and delineating boundaries area for urban development should not be less than 79,700 square kilometers. Security space should be ensured for strategical mineral resources and historic and cultural protection.

The strategies in coordinated regional development, functional zones, new urbanization, rural vitalization and other major regional plans should be thoroughly implemented to foster a new model of development and protection for territorial space featuring prominent main functions, complementary advantages and high-quality development, said the reply.

It should deeply integrate into the co-building of the Belt and Road Initiative, and enhance its coordinated development with Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yellow River basin, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and other areas of major regional development strategies.

Measure should be taken to continuously consolidate and increase the proportion of cultivated land area of Yangtze River basin, and improve ecosystem service function and biodiversity protection.

The document required governments of the provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) related to Yangtze River Economic Belt-Yangtze River basin to reinforce organization and leadership, clarify responsibilities, and improve working mechanism and supporting policies.