Regulations to both preserve and develop uninhabited islands for non-residential use come into effect on May 1 to ensure a sound marine environment and reasonable use of marine resources.

The Standing Committee of the 9th Zhuhai Municipal People's Congress approved the controls at its 17th session on Nov 30. The details concerning Regulations on Preservation of Islands & Sea Areas of the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone were reviewed at a press conference on April 28.  

Sixty-six articles encompass sea-related planning, improving sea area and island protection measures, setting up regimes for special marine protection zones, specifying government responsibility for supervision, and increasing punishment for illegal activities. 

Uninhabited Zhuhai island [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

Meanwhile, Regulations on the Development & Utilization of Uninhabited Islands in the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone fill in China's legislative gaps in this field. They stipulate that entities or individuals should submit development and construction implementation plans for approval in accordance with procedures.

An administrative license for capital construction can be applied for with an immovable-property right certificate, development and construction implementation plan approval forms, and other essential documents. Land approvals or land-use plan permits are not required.

Zhuhai Jiuzhou Holdings Blue Marine Tourism Development plans to develop the quarry-devastated Sanjiao Island into the country’s first uninhabited island tourism project based on a "public service + tourism" model, said its general manager, Su Qinglong.