BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese experts have called for prudence and coordination in protecting and developing the heritage of the Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway.

According to a plan issued in February by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, a cultural belt will be built along the canal's existing main river course and those used in recent history.

Wu Xiaohua, deputy head of the team that compiled the plan, said implementation should be firmly based on the concept of respecting, complying with and protecting nature.

"Efforts should be made to gradually improve water conditions of the river course after a long-term pre-phase deliberation. We must make coordinated efforts to avoid drastically changing the current water and navigation capabilities," said Wu, also deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research.

He also called for strict control on industries and industrial capacities that have negative environmental impacts along the Grand Canal.