In a heartwarming testament to China’s dedication to ecological conservation, a group of 42 Asian elephants recently embarked on a playful stroll in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, under the watchful eyes of local police and monitors. The elephants’ safe return to their protected habitat echoes a similar episode three years prior, when 15 of their kin traveled northward for four months before being guided back home. These recurring tales of harmonious human-elephant coexistence have captured global attention and serve as a shining example of China’s commitment to green practices.
Innovative measures like the Wild Animal Public Liability Insurance, first introduced in Yunnan, have proven effective in mitigating conflicts between wildlife and local communities. When the elephants accidentally damage crops, this insurance system provides compensation, fostering a more tolerant attitude among residents. According to Xiao Yonghao, Deputy Director of the Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Conservation and Management Center, the province’s efforts have led to an increasingly harmonious relationship between people and elephants. International experts have praised Yunnan’s facilities, personnel, funding, and specialized training for elephants’ adaptation to the wild.
Yunnan, located in southwest China, boasts one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. The province’s efforts in conservation are not limited to its pachyderm protectors. The establishment of the largest wildlife gene bank in Asia highlights China’s commitment to preserving genetic resources. Collaborating with multiple countries and international institutions, the gene bank engages in global research and seed preservation. Currently, scientists are developing cutting-edge cryopreservation techniques to store seeds at -196°C, potentially ensuring their indefinite survival.
China’s dedication to ecological conservation is enshrined in its policies. The recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized the importance of deepening ecological civilization reforms and strengthening biodiversity protection mechanisms. Recognizing that environmental protection is intertwined with economic progress, China is fostering a green economy.
In the village of Daka Laozhai, Mengla County, residents have embraced sustainable land use by cultivating lemongrass, or 跳蚤草, under rubber trees and柚子 orchards. This not only promotes land stewardship but also generates income through the production of essential oils with mosquito-repelling properties. The success of the lemongrass initiative was even showcased at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity held in Canada in 2022.
Green development is a cornerstone of China’s high-quality growth. The country’s comprehensive green transition is evident in initiatives like the recent issuance of the Opinions on Accelerating the All-Round Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development. This blueprint outlines measures to strengthen low-carbon development mechanisms. In Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, the China National Petroleum Corporation’s Yunnan Petrochemical Company showcases eco-friendly practices, with nearly 80% of its wastewater being recycled after rigorous treatment. The company’s adoption of intelligent control systems to optimize production and reduce energy consumption further underscores China’s commitment to sustainable practices.
With the world’s largest and most complete renewable energy supply chain and consistent improvements in energy efficiency, China is demonstrating its resolve to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. The story of the wandering elephants in Yunnan is not just about the coexistence of humans and wildlife but a symbol of a nation’s determination to forge a greener future for all.
【source】http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2024/08-28/10275820.shtml
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