China's experiment in developing a green economy on Chongming Island in east China's Shanghai has been recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a recommended model of green economic development.

The UNEP published its evaluation report on the ecological status of Chongming on March 10. The island is the world's largest alluvial island and the least developed district of Shanghai.

Covering an area of 1,267 square km, Chongming was approved as a national development zone for sustainable development in 2010, and the UNEP was invited by the Chinese Government to evaluate the eco-island construction project.

Development on the island, which has a population of around 600,000, has effectively integrated social, environmental and economic perspectives, according to the UNEP's evaluation.

The UNEP suggested that the Chongming model be promoted in China as an example in developing a green economy for less developed regions.