生態補償機制

Ecological Compensation Mechanism

An environmental protection policy intended to balance ecological protection and economic development.

Started by the State Environmental Protection Administration in the 1990s, the mechanism is designed to make sure the regions and industries that benefit most from the exploitation of natural resources pay for the damages caused to the environment. Conversely, the regions and institutions that protect resources are to be compensated both for their service and the chances for economic development they forego.

A pilot program was launched last year to find ways to more effectively carry out this policy and to accumulate necessary data.