BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili has called on local governments and the public to better bolster Minnan (southern Fujian) culture in an effort to protect regional cultural ecology.

    Chen made the appeal at a national Minnan culture forum held in east China's Fujian Province on Friday.

    "The promotion of Minnan culture, which is an indispensable part of the Chinese culture, will boost political, social and economical development of the region," said Chen.

    "To protect the cultural ecology of the Minnan region, we need to make a thorough and scientific plan and protect and train inheritors of its intangible heritage as well," she said.

    It is estimated that more than six million Chinese of southern Fujian origin currently live in more than 90 countries and regions around the world.