Yichang Takes Action to Protect Biodiversity
2023-05-24 20:05:30
By Chen Zai, Yichang International Communication Studio
The new “International Biodiversity Day” campaign was launched by Yichang on May 22, with a series of events celebrating its continued efforts to restore biodiversity. The theme of this years event was "from agreements to collaborative efforts: restoring biodiversity.”
The campaign featured activities such as "Yangtze River Protection" performances and a visit to the Yangtze River Biodiversity Research Center. It was held in Zigui county, known for its navel oranges and as the birthplace of Qu Yuan, one of the greatest patriotic poets of ancient China.
These initiatives are aimed at raising awareness about scientific knowledge on biological diversity and showcasing Yichang's achievements in biodiversity protection, establishing it as a model city for Yangtze River preservation.
In recent years, Yichang has made solid progress in environmental protection. The proportion of days with clean air in the city reached 86.6 percent, and the water quality of the Yichang section of the Yangtze River has achieved Class II standards.
The new “International Biodiversity Day” campaign was launched by Yichang on May 22, with a series of events celebrating its continued efforts to restore biodiversity. The theme of this years event was "from agreements to collaborative efforts: restoring biodiversity.”
The campaign featured activities such as "Yangtze River Protection" performances and a visit to the Yangtze River Biodiversity Research Center. It was held in Zigui county, known for its navel oranges and as the birthplace of Qu Yuan, one of the greatest patriotic poets of ancient China.
These initiatives are aimed at raising awareness about scientific knowledge on biological diversity and showcasing Yichang's achievements in biodiversity protection, establishing it as a model city for Yangtze River preservation.
In recent years, Yichang has made solid progress in environmental protection. The proportion of days with clean air in the city reached 86.6 percent, and the water quality of the Yichang section of the Yangtze River has achieved Class II standards.
The Hubei Yangtze River Three Gorges Area Ecological Protection and Restoration Pilot Project, with a total investment of 10.3 billion yuan (about 1.46 billion US dollars), has restored 3,513 hectares of land and over 600 hectares of abandoned mines, resulting in a forest coverage rate of 68.59 percent and a per capita urban green park area of 15.04 square meters.
Several ecological improvements have occurred in Yichang. The bird population has experienced a noticeable increase, and 5.5 million Chinese sturgeons have returned to the area. Additionally, the number of finless porpoises has exceeded 23, and unique plant species such as Myricaria laxiflora and Distylium chinense have successfully taken root in the city.
Yichang has also made improvements in promoting the use of new energy. Over 130 chemical enterprises along the Yangtze River have been closed or relocated, effectively transforming the 232-kilometer Yichang section into an ecological corridor. Additionally, the world's largest electric cruise ship "Yangtze River Three Gorges 1," made its maiden voyage out of Zigui New Port.
Yichang City, Zigui County, Yuan'an County, and Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County were awarded the prestigious title of "National Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Zone," the highest recognition in the country for ecological civilization initiatives.
Photo by Shu Renqing (舒仁庆)
Photo by Shu Renqing (舒仁庆)
