Experts Worldwide Laud China’s Ecological Civilization Construction

The first part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity （COP15） is being held in Kunming. Experts from Nepal, Thailand and other countries spoke highly of China's ecological civilization construction in the exclusive interviews with Xinhua News Agency. They thought that China had created practical and inspiring achievements for global biodiversity conservation, and they were looking forward to the upcoming outcomes of COP15.

Akanksha Khatri, Head of Nature and Biodiversity at the World Economic Forum, told Xinhua in a video interview that the theme of this conference was Ecological Civilization, which was a concept proposed by China. It was a future-oriented advanced concept.

“COP15 sends a signal to stakeholders all over the world. We must realize the crisis of nature and biodiversity faced by mankind, and we must take action. China is trying to shift its cities to a more nature-friendly model, which is facing the future.” she said.

Krishna Prasad Oli and Prabhu Budatoki, former members of Nepal's National Planning Commission with expertise on ecological protection, noted that China's efforts to develop "Ecological Civilization" contributed to global biodiversity preservation.

Oli has taught in some Chinese universities. “China is one of the leading countries in the world in the areas of biodiversity conservation and ecological system restoration. China has increased the number of nature reserves and the forest coverage rate. Besides, China has brought greenery even to the desert areas.” said Oli. He also lauded the growing populations of giant pandas as well as the Asian elephants in China.

“Advancing ‘Ecological Civilization’ is great for the preservation of biodiversity. By introducing the concept of ecological civilization, China has given utmost importance to reversing biodiversity losses and promoting ecological preservation.” said Prabhu Budhathoki.

“China has made inspiring progress for the global biodiversity conservation.” Prasert Sirinapaporn, deputy secretary general of Thailand's Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning told Xinhua in an interview.

Prasert said, China has overcome the impact caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and earnestly fulfills its obligations as the host country, which has demonstrated its will and determination in promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Chinese government emphasizes protecting the eco-system and biodiversity while boosting economic growth, which could inspire Thailand and other developing countries, Prasert said. “China has carried out abundant biodiversity conservation and restoration work at various levels, such as the establishment of seed banks. In addition, China has implemented a forest restoration plan, which has increased forest areas. These efforts are not only contributing to the sustainable development of biodiversity in China but also has a positive impact on global biodiversity.” he said.

He expressed admiration for China's leadership in biodiversity conservation. "We hope to learn from China's experience. Meanwhile, we would like to share Thailand's successful cases with China."

Interviewed experts are also expected to achieve positive outcomes of further promoting of international biodiversity protection during COP15. Zhou Weisheng, a professor at Ritsumeikan University and director of the Research Institute of Global 3E in Japan, said, “biodiversity is essential to maintaining human sustainable development. Since ancient times, China has had the idea of ‘harmony between man and nature （Tian Ren He Yi）’， which advocates the harmonious coexistence between man and nature and emphasizes the spirit of biodiversity." He said, the post-2020 global biodiversity framework to be reviewed and adopted has a great impact on achieving the land, ocean, and climate goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Source：<https://www.yidaiyilu.gov.cn/xwzx/hwxw/190460.htm>

Translated by Zhang Yuxi