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

The World Bank Office in China said US$60 million 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 US$90 million 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 7, 2009)