On Sept 17, Chen Chenzhao, deputy general auditor of the National Audit Office, said that a pilot project to audit outgoing leading officials' accounts for assets in the form of natural resources will be launched in order to explore the objectives, content, methods and appraisal indicators for such auditing.

In line with the Integrated Reform Plan for Promoting Ecological Progress, issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, or China's Cabinet, the country will set up a permanent accountability system for ecological and environmental damage. From now on, leaders of local CPC committees and governments will be responsible for both economic development and ecological progress.

The auditing of assets in the shape of natural resources makes ecological and environmental protection an integral part of the performance evaluation system of leading officials. This will effectively prevent and control environmental pollution at local levels. The natural resource asset audit results will be a major criterion to evaluate officials' performance, and those found lacking in terms of environmental pollution will face harsh punishments, even after retirement.

The pilot audit project launched this year will evaluate the changes in natural resources within the officials' administrative area during their terms, analyze the reasons for the environmental changes, if any, and determine to what extent the leading officials are accountable for these changes when they are about to leave office.