ADB: €193m for Heilongjiang environmental improvement

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $193 million loan for environmental improvement and low-carbon development in Heilongjiang, China. 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $193 million loan to support the Heilongjiang Green Transformation Demonstration Project and Program will assist in the promotion of sustainable, climate-resilient, low-carbon, green development, as well as environmental restoration in the cities of Heihe and Suifenhe.

The project adopts a system-wide approach looking at environmental restoration of rivers and wetlands and improving energy efficiency. It will holistically address sustainable green transformation across the main economic pillars and polluting sectors, including transport, logistics, water, industry, buildings, and tourism in the project areas.

ADB transport specialist for East Asia, Rebecca Stapleton, explained “Heilongjiang has legacy environmental degradation and remains one of the poorest provinces in the PRC. ADB’s intervention will support interagency cooperation, aligning environment and climate change policies at the national, provincial, and city levels.”

ADB’s senior environment specialist for East Asia, Yun Zhou, added “This is the first ADB project combining an investment loan and a results-based lending program that provides a tailored instrument to address building energy efficiency.”

The project will develop infrastructure and implement services to enhance climate resilience and livability in Heihe and Suifenhe. Sustainable and efficient logistics facilities and technologies will improve connectivity. Aging residential buildings and public facilities will be refurbished under the project by improving thermal insulation to reduce energy loss, reducing waste, increasing green space, and upgrading drainage and sanitation facilities.

The project has a strong focus on institutional strengthening and improving interagency coordination through developing a sustainable procurement action plan, preparing a comprehensive nonmotorized transport network plan and citywide inclusive sanitation strategy for both cities, providing support for behaviour change campaigns, and knowledge sharing.

The total cost of the project is $498.8 million, with $305.8 being provided by China.