The preservation of a natural and peaceful environment in Chongming should be a top priority for the world-class destination and future marine equipment base, Mayor Han Zheng said yesterday.

During his visit to China’s third largest island, Han said Chongming should stick to an environment-first policy. He said the island should be developed into a recreational village for city dwellers only when the environment is intact.

Han also emphasized the importance of setting up marine equipment manufacturers, while he was visiting an under construction shipyard on Changxing island, a part of Chongming.

With an area of more than 1,000 square kilometers surrounded by seawater, Chongming is an ideal place for marine equipment manufacturing, which will be a key factor in boosting Shanghai’s economy in the next decade, Han said.

To help protect the environment, the Chongming County government is now working out a plan, which covers water quality, air quality, garbage disposal and greenery on the island.