BEIJING - China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Monday called for efforts to promote ecological progress.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the comments while presiding over the second plenary meeting of the 12th CPPCC National Committee.

During his speech at the meeting, Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said that promoting ecological progress is of vital importance to the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the realization of the great renewal of the Chinese nation.

"We should raise ecological awareness to respect, accommodate to and protect nature," said Zhang.

Zhang also urged to remain committed to the basic state policy of conserving resources, protecting the environment and promoting its natural restoration.

More efforts should be made to ensure the implementation of the functional zoning strategy and accelerate the development of China's geographical space, Zhang said.

Members of the CPPCC National Committee on Monday morning also attended a lecture given by deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhu Zhixin.

Zhu analyzed the current environment faced by China's economic and social development and explained the major task of improving and strengthening macro-economic regulation.