Zhanjiang has been named as a pilot city for the United Nation's (UN) Sustainable Urban Development and Livable Garden Community Program (SUC) and Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities (GIREC), among the first batch in China.

It was announced at the Vientiane International Mayors Forum and the 10th Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum held from March 14 to 16 in Vientiane, Laos.

SUC was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 43 years ago to aid the sustainable development in terms of carbon reduction and resources saving against drastic global climate changes.

The certificate of the Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities (GIREC) issued to Zhanjiang, Guangdong by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). [Photo/zhanjiang.gov.cn]

It is the first time the program has targeted developing countries, prioritizing China as the first to produce demonstration sites.

GIREC, established in 2013, plots a way towards sustainable urban development by working with local and national governments to promote efficient water use and sustainable waste management.

The coastal city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong province won the titles after continuous efforts introducing people-centered measures to create a green city.

Zhanjiang is honored as one of first Chinese pilot cities in the United Nation's (UN) Sustainable Urban Development and Livable Garden Community Program (SUC). [Photo/zhanjiang.gov.cn]

Zhanjiang started the initiative of developing a footprint city, sponge city and circular city in 2014, dedicated to improving the happiness of locals through reducing carbon emissions, better sewage treatment and orderly rubbish collection.

According to the SUC, Zhanjiang will receive professional guidance for the next three years from its expert team on green transportation, recycling economy and environmental protection. International cooperation as well as the experience of other pilot cities around the globe will help improve Zhanjiang's sustainable development.

Zhanjiang pushes ahead with its plans to become a footprint city by constructing green transportation such as public shared bicycle schemes. [Photo/zhanjiang.gov.cn]

According to the government, Zhanjiang step up its recycling on a daily basis as well as in the economy as a whole, and accelerate the construction of the South Sea Valley for innovative scientific advances. The city will also promote its culture and history as key trading hub along the ancient Maritime Silk Road as well as strengthen its pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative.