8-7D SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL LARGE CITY: SHENYANG'S SHENHE DISTRICT

8-7D

Project Scope and Relationship to China's Agenda 21

This project seeks to further the sustainable development of Shenhe through a comprehensive program of planning, education, social and health services, infrastructure and development of sustainable industries. It was developed in accordance with chapter 10 of China's Agenda 21 - Development Sustainable Human Settlement - and will contribute to the provision of health and social services and sustainable development of industry, transportation and communications (Chapters 9 and 12).

1. Background

The Shenhe district in Shenyang City, the largest city in northeast China is selected, as the model for demonstrating the sustainable development of a large city. The district of Shenhe, in the centre area of Shenyang, has an area of 17.6 square kilometres and a population of 560,000. Shenhe, which dates back 2400 years, is now the political, economic and cultural centre of Shenyang as well as an important business centre. It also boasts of good transportation and communication systems, as well as two famous historical sites.

Despite these accomplishments, Shenhe is suffering from a number of outdated facilities and technologies; inadequate living conditions, social services, education, family planning and employment opportunities; substandard environmental protection; and poor planning and management. This project seeks to address these issues and further the sustainable development of Shenhe through a comprehensive program of planning, education, social and health services, infrastructure and development of sustainable industries.

2. Objectives

• Long-term Objectives
  • Further the sustainable development of the Shenhe district of Shenyang and serve as a model for other middle and large cities in China through the implementation of a comprehensive model program of planning, education, social and health services, infrastructure and development of sustainable industries.
  • Raise the percentage of those with basic education to over 98%, the percentage of those with higher education to over 40.8%, the birth rate to within 8 per million, the percentage of women and children receiving adequate prenatal and postnatal care to over 95%, the average life expectancy to 72.6 years. Increase the percentage of land covered with greenery to 22%, with an average green area of 4.5 square meters.

• Immediate Objectives
  • Revise and perfect the overall planning for the sustainable development of Shenhe and the overall improvement of human life.
  • Strengthen the provision of regional health, social and educational services.
  • Improve environmental protection through technology development, and improved monitoring and enforcement.
  • Strengthen communication and transportation facilities and other basic infrastructures.
  • Develop the only undeveloped area of Shenhe as a centre for the "third industry," emphasizing trade, information and tourism services.

• 3.1 Revise and perfect the overall planning for the sustainable development of Shenhe and the overall improvement of human life.

  • Revision the present and future social development plans of Shenhe according to the policies and objectives of sustainable development, concentrating not only on rapid economic development, but also on the development of social services and environmental protection.
  • Establish international exchange and training programs, develop human resources, provide employment opportunities, strengthen the capacity for sustainable development.

• 3.2 Strengthen the provision of regional health and social services.
  • Develop various social insurance programs, such as social security and medical insurance programs, and establish a comprehensive insurance industry.
  • Establish a multi-functional regional service centre to serve the needs of a large population, including a retirement centre and children's centre.
  • Establish a mental health rehabilitation centre.

• 3.3 Strengthen educational, training and family planning programs.
  • Improve the Shenhe family planning service centre through educational programs, medical management and improved technology.
  • Establish a 21st century experimental private school with a focus on sustainable development.
  • Develop basic education, strengthen professional education, emphasize adult education, build labourer education and training, add sustainable development to the curriculum of middle and primary schools, increase public awareness of sustainable development.

• 3.4 Improve environmental protection through technology development, and improved monitoring and enforcement.
  • Develop and expand the use of environmental pollution control technologies.
  • Modernize and automate environmental monitoring facilities.
  • Develop programs to improve enforcement of environmental regulations and standards.

• 3.5 Strengthen communication and transportation facilities and other basic infrastructures.
  • Build a model residency project.
  • Improve communications in accordance with the overall plan; carry out a light-track project; coordinate the development of bicycle, vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
  • Develop and construct basic infrastructure, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life. Provide municipal water supplies drainage, power, heat, gas and communication facilities.

• 3.6 Enhance development of the areas of Shenhe as a centre for the tertiary industry," emphasizing trade, information and tourism services.
  • Plan, develop and construct the only undeveloped area of 1 square kilometre as the centre for "third industry," with a focus on trade, information, tourism, service and science. Build the Zhongjie street into the first business street in northeast China, forming a model for the rest of China.

  This project will be implemented by the Government of Shenhe district in the city of Shenyang, under the supervision of the State Planning Commission and the State Science and Technology Commission. The duration of this activity will be five years

• 4.1 Chinese Inputs
  • Project management
  • Training
  • Basic construction and communication facilities
  • Monitoring, educational and business facilities
  • Materials and data

• 4.2 International cooperation
  • Training
  • Rehabilitation facilities and modernized audio-visual facilities
  • Transfer of energy efficient and environmental technologies
  • International experts

This project will improve the lives of the population of Shenhe in the areas of education, health, social services, family planning, environmental protection, communications, transportation, employment and basic services. It will serve as a model for the sustainable development of other middle and large cities in China.