The World Bank said Wednesday it approved loans totaling 150 million U.S. dollars to support China's efforts to protect its cultural heritage and environment.

The World Bank Office in China said 60 million U.S. dollars would help southwestern Guizhou Province better utilize and manage its cultural, natural and historical resources and improve the living standards of the local ethnic people, which account for 37 percent of its population.

Projects will involve basic infrastructure, restoration of traditional buildings, expansion of tourist facilities and protection of intangible heritage.

The other 90 million U.S. dollars will finance wastewater and solid waste projects in southwestern Yunnan Province. The projects will involve urban drainage, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, solid waste disposal systems, flood control and other sanitation facilities in 10 county towns.

(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2009)