China promotes International Day for Biodiversity with slew of activities

Children in Beijing celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) 2024 Photo:IC

Themed "Be Part of the Plan," International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) 2024 falls on Wednesday, a call to action and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. To celebrate the day, cities and provinces across China are hosting a variety of activities. 

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and the government of Hainan Province will jointly hold IDB activities on Wednesday, urging people from all walks of life to get involved in the efforts of protecting biodiversity, Pei Xiaofei, MEE spokesperson, said at a previous press conference. 

Representatives from state departments, as well as delegates from parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the EU, UN organizations and other international organizations will also participate in various activities, Pei introduced.

Across China, various IDB activities and campaigns have been organized for both adults and minors with the aim of raising people's awareness of the importance of the country's invaluable "lucid waters and lush mountains." 

IDB activities were held in Longnan, Northwest China's Gansu Province, on Friday. To gain an in-depth understanding of biodiversity conservation, the participants in the event visited the giant panda national park in Wenxian county, observed the integrated environmental monitoring system, breeding center and a museum.  

On Tuesday, in Baoding, North China's Hebei Province, kindergarteners enjoyed activities themed around biodiversity. These activities helped them understand the importance of caring for and protecting nature and the collective effort required for biodiversity conservation. 

Chongqing's national Jinfo Mountain nature reserve has also rolled out a series of activities among primary school students. Joined by a master of China's intangible cultural heritage, students got the opportunity to connect with nature through interactive activities designed to raise conservation awareness.

With more campaigns rolled out in enterprises and schools, an increasing number of volunteers are getting involved in protecting biodiversity and building a beautiful China together. 

In South China's Guangdong Province, citizens are being encouraged to participate in biodiversity conservation activities through ecological walks, wildlife exhibitions, a biodiversity science painting exhibition and biodiversity lectures. 

South China Agricultural University has been hosting the Guangdong wildlife specimen exhibition and biodiversity science painting exhibition since May 9, attracting around 50,000 visitors. Parks in Guangzhou have also featured tree watch campaigns this month to promote tree protection. At the same time, the Guangzhou zoo has launched themed activities to help visitors learn more about animals. 

The Shandong Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment jointly organized a 2024 IDB interview campaign from Thursday to Friday. During the campaign, the interview team explored the Weishan Lake National Wetland Park, the largest freshwater lake in northern China. 

The team visited Weishan county and Sishui county. While appreciating the picturesque views around Weishan Lake, the team also checked out the colorful aquatic germplasm resource conservation areas in these counties, learning about the local achievements in biodiversity protection. 

In addition, the first white paper on biodiversity conservation in the Yellow River Basin was released at Weishan Lake National Wetland Park.