Fudao, a 19-kilometer-long overhead footpath in Fuzhou, Fujian province, is always popular with folks who want to come for a walk. [Photo/IC]

East China's Fujian province continued to lead the way in balancing economic growth with environmental protection throughout last year.

The province's commitment to sustainability was evident in its impressive achievements, with the Ecological Quality Index reaching 75.06, a 0.04 increase from the previous year.

Meanwhile, Fujian maintained a remarkable forest coverage in 2024 of 65.12 percent, leading the nation for 46 consecutive years.

Nine cities in Fujian boasted a remarkable 98.3 percent proportion of days with excellent air quality, with Fuzhou and Xiamen ranking 5th and 3rd, respectively, among 168 key cities nationwide. Notably, for the first time, 100 percent of the national monitoring sections in major river basins in Fujian achieved excellent water quality (Class I-III), with 77.1 percent reaching the highest standard (Class I-II).

Fujian's dedication to environmental preservation is said to be exemplified by its "green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver" ethos.

The province's Beautiful Fujian initiative has made significant strides, with ongoing efforts in pollution control and the implementation of key environmental plans. It has also enacted a "1+10+N" three-tier ecological environmental access list.

Recognized for its five beautiful rivers and lakes, five stunning bays, 44 ecological civilization construction demonstration areas, and nine innovative bases for practicing the concept that green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver, Fujian stands out as a national leader in environmental conservation.