The 52nd World Earth Day fell on April 22 this year, and East China's Zhejiang province recently hosted a variety of activities to mark the day.

Around 16 years ago, the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" was first proposed in Yucun village, Anji county, Zhejiang. The concept, reflecting a governing philosophy of pursuing a balance between economic development and environmental protection, has been the driving force behind the building of an ecological civilization as part of China's development strategy.

An official from the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Natural Resources said that Zhejiang successfully completed environmental restoration projects on its land, deserted mines, and coastlines during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20)，involving more than 200 square kilometers of farmland, 755 mines, and 360 km of coastlines.

Children pose for a photo during a World Earth Day activity at a kindergarten in Changxing county, Zhejiang province on April 22. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]