Lishui, a city in east China's Zhejiang Province, was once haunted by environmental problems but has transformed itself into an art zone and resort destination, enabling local people to strive for a prosperous life while committing to green development.

China has turned to the pursuit of economic growth through green development. Against such a background, local authorities should explore more approaches to translating natural resources into profit in an environmentally friendly manner. Over exploitation and exhaustion of resources should be stopped, while sustainable development that gives full play to local advantages needs to be promoted.

Aside from producing high-quality agricultural products, regions boasting rich natural resources should also develop innovative industry for prosperity. Combined with local culture and creations, natural resources can generate new economic growth points.

Problems are still looming since natural resources have been gravely exhausted due to tourism and agricultural industries that are much too homogeneous in some regions. Some local governments have attracted investment for enterprises but people have not shared in the benefits.

Therefore, the governments should guide local enterprises to seek distinctive development approaches and major enterprises should play an exemplary role. Agricultural households should also improve awareness to seize market demands.

Green development should be pursued with steady efforts and unlimited exploitation should be banned. Only in this way can China protect its natural resources and achieve sustainable growth.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People's Daily on August 20)