Chongming, China's third largest island at the mouth of the Yangtze River, will be constructed into a "garden on the sea" by 2010 as supported by leading technologies in terms of ecology, biology, energy, information and water resources. 

However, with the linking of the island with the main part of Shanghai with a new tunnel and bridge in 2007, people fear passengers and vehicles will destruct and pollute the environment.

Experts suggest enhancing the appraisal and monitoring system of the natural environment on the island.

Shanghai is planning a project entitled "Key Technology Research and Demonstration of the Construction of Chongming Ecological Island," which is sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology.

Experts from the commission conducted an investigation of the island and held the first-ever discussion about the project last week.

Chongming, covering 1,225 square kilometers, accounts for more than one-sixth of the total area of Shanghai and possesses the greatest potential for development.

However, recently a series of problems that hinder development of the island have arisen such as drying wetlands, deteriorating water quality, excessive fishing, decreasing bird populations, and limited utilities.

A mode is to be constructed to achieve natural, economic and social benefits at the same time on the island, experts said.

Key technologies are to be adopted to protect and monitor the wetlands, rehabilitate ecological systems of farmland and produce safe food.

As planned, the island is to develop a quality seed and seedling industry, industries of processing agricultural byproducts and producing safe food.

Wind power, solar energy and other biological energies are to be tapped on the island.

Development and recycling of water resources including rainfall, sewage are encouraged.

Information technology will be applied to develop an ecological disaster warning system, digital service system and intelligent transportation system on the island.

The master plan of Chongming Island still awaits final approval from the municipality.

(China Daily September 15, 2004)