Chinese officials said in Beijing on Wednesday ecological awareness among the public should be raised to transform the fast-growing economy into an eco-friendly and sustainable entity.

This would have a far-reaching influence on not only the sustainability of China's development, but also ecological security globally and the development of human civilization, State Councilor Liu Yandong said.

She made the comment at the founding ceremony of the China Society of Ecological Culture.

Liu said the Communist Party of China (CPC) attached great importance to sustainable development, particularly due to the ruling party's reflection of the past.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, said fostering and promoting ecological culture among the public should be encouraged.

Ecological culture could play an important role in forming an energy-efficient and environment-friendly society, which would eventually benefit the sustainable development of China, he said in a written message to congratulate the society's establishment.

The non-profit organization is headed by Jiang Zehui, vice chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee's Committee of Population, Resources and Environment.

The association aimed to "promote awareness of ecological conservation and advocate eco-friendly lifestyle" through various methods, such as conferences, publications, training and international exchange, it said in an announcement published on the State Forestry Administration website.

(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2008)