China selected the theme "everyone joins in building a green home" for the upcoming World Environment Day 2005 on June 5, China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) said in Beijing Thursday.

The administration selected the theme to encourage the public to participate in environmental protection practices in China, an official with the administration said, adding that as an echo to the international theme "Green Cities and Plan for the Planet" selected by the UN Environment Program, China's theme shows the government's determination to create a "green home" and "build a harmonious society" for the people.

Statistics released by the administration show that China has 14 pilot zones for environment-friendly industries and 166 state ecology demonstration zones with the government's continual efforts to promote environmental protection and a recycling economy.

Pan Yue, vice minister of SEPA, said the Chinese government lists environmental protection as one of its basic policies, adding his administration would provide more opportunities for the public to participate in environment protection and release more information on the sector for the pubic to monitor the administration's work.

The SEPA will hold a series of activities to celebrate World Environment Day 2005, including a forum, a photograph exhibit and related contests.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2005)