Fujian province in China has thought of a positive spin to the dreadful pollution indices that have been hogging the limelight around the country lately.

The province has begun issuing a Fresh Air Index instead of the usual pollution index, in order to mitigate the negative effects of pollution on tourism.

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While the measure does not really eradicate pollution nor offer solutions to it, it does serve as a positive breather from the pollution bulletins that have been scaring residents and tourists alike.

Fujian's tourism bureau says the Fresh Air Index will allow residents and visitors to monitor improvements in the density of air particles in specific tourist attractions.

"Our goal is to maintain PM2.5 and healthy air measurements speak for themselves to boost eco-tourism," said the bureau's deputy chief, Chen Yihui.

Fujian earns more than US$1.3 billion from domestic and foreign tourism.

The Fresh Air Index applies to 50 eco-tourism areas, and Fujian has been endorsed by China's State Council to spearhead eco-tourism development.

Based on data gathered in Fuzhou City, Yongtai Yunding Mountain and the scenic spot of Da'anyuan in Mount Wuyi, the oxygen ion readings have registered negative, which means that the air in these areas are clean.

Updates on Fujian's Fresh Air Index can be tracked by tourists on the provincial tourism bureau's website at www.fjta.gov.cn, and through microblogs, WeChat, fujian.people.com.cn, fj.sina.com.cn and fj.qq.com.

As this developed, China has created a special committee to participate in the Future Earth program for 2014-2023.

The Future Earth program is an international initiative that aims to construct healthy eco-civilizations worldwide. 

It brings together scientists, environment experts and social leaders in a forum that will study the impact of pollution, urban development, climate change and other environmental challenges and provide suggestions on how societies can cope with these challenges.

In China, the Future Earth program is headed by the China Association for Science and Technology.