International experts discuss biodiversity conservation in SW China
A sub-forum centering on biodiversity is held during the 2023 Erhai Forum in Dali city, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 28, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Erhai Forum Secretariat]
Two years ago, the world was captivated by the epic journey of China's "wandering elephants" in Yunnan, highlighting China's strides in preserving wild animals and biodiversity. This year, the spotlight turned to Dali city as the host of the 2023 Erhai Forum held on May 28, where discussions centered on fostering harmony between humanity and nature.
At the sub-forum dedicated to biodiversity, Aleksandra Smolak, deputy representative of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in Shanghai, emphasized the borderless nature of biodiversity and the absolute necessity for international collaboration in the face of climate change and escalating biodiversity loss.
Smolak noted that, despite the different national realities of China and Poland, both countries share the goal of achieving a balance between rapid economic development and the conservation and sustainable use of their rich biodiversity.
She proposed that China and Poland jointly engage in scientific research, knowledge and database sharing, bolster technology transfer and innovation, and improve the creation of green infrastructure to protect biodiversity.
Smolak suggested that the two countries coordinate their biodiversity conservation policies, including sharing regulatory frameworks and management strategies, and potentially establishing cross-border nature reserves.
She further stressed the need to elevate public awareness through education, enabling a broader understanding of biodiversity's value. Therefore, she expressed her hope that China and Poland could collaborate to develop relevant courses and create training plans for students, professionals, and the general public in both countries.
Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project, articulated the moral and ethical imperative of biodiversity conservation. He remarked that it would be unethical to burden future generations with a polluted environment, asserting that humanity is morally obligated to protect all life on Earth.
Established on the grounds of a former clay pit, the Eden Project's massive biomes house the world's largest indoor rainforest in Cornwall, southwestern England. This project transformed an industrial wasteland into a vibrant haven teeming with colorful flora and exotic tropical trees.
It extended its global outreach by inaugurating its first international endeavor in Qingdao city, east China's Shandong province. In 2022, the Eden Project in Qingdao emerged as a world-class ecological and cultural tourism center.
Lao Jiuchi, chief representative of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council in China, discussed Denmark's approach to enhancing biodiversity by increasing the production of organic products.
He indicated that besides government initiatives, Danish households also contribute significantly by purchasing organic products at least once a week.
Wang Yuanfeng, a professor from Beijing Jiaotong University, shed light on biodiversity protection. He advocated for a concerted effort to harmonize carbon emission reduction and pollution control with biodiversity conservation.
Moreover, he encouraged the government, enterprises, and individuals to assume responsibility for safeguarding biodiversity and securing ecological progress.
The 2023 Erhai Forum was co-hosted by China International Communications Group, the People's Government of Yunnan Province, and the China Public Relations Association.