South China's island province of Hainan issued a regulation on Wednesday laying out how uninhabited islands should be developed.

A document issued by the provincial ocean and fishery authorities states any entity or individual wanting to develop uninhabited islands should first submit application and development plans to the ocean administration authorities.

Development should be carried out according to regulations and laws on size and intensity of exploitation, construction of buildings and island protection.

During the approval process, one priority should be whether the plan gives due consideration to protecting island and ocean environments, as well as natural and cultural landscapes in the development of islands, the regulation reads.

The regulation sets an upper limit of duration at 15 years for cultivation purposes, 25 years for tourism and entertainment, 30 years for salt and mining industries, and 40 years for public welfare purposes.