A World Bank environment strategy paper for the East Asia and Pacific region, published in April, praises the region's economic performance but laments its environmental record, which is described as a 'grow now, clean up later' approach to development.

The paper announces a new regional initiative to promote sustainable urban transport strategies. Projects planned for China and other countries are thought likely candidates for Global Environment Facility support.

Integration of environmental considerations into development planning is identified as a priority area for China. The paper also discusses valuation of environmental health risks; green accounting; the environmental challenges of urbanization; environment-poverty linkages; pollution prevention and management; energy efficiency and sustainable water and land management.

The strategy paper calls for greater attention to local circumstances, together with the engagement of local communities and stakeholders in project design. Increased cooperation and dialogue between governments, the private sector and civil society is recommended, especially with respect to growing trans-boundary, regional and global issues.

Report by Matt Perrement, April 22 2005