Ningbo shows biodiversity-driven prosperity at global forum

Representatives from Beilun district and Meigu county share the East-West cooperation case. [Photo/Tide News]

Beilun district of Ningbo, Zhejiang, joined Meigu county in Sichuan's Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture at the 5th World Biosphere Reserve Conference's Zhejiang side event in Hangzhou on Sept 24. Together, they demonstrated a pioneering model of East-West collaboration that links biodiversity conservation with shared prosperity, drawing global attention to China's approach to ecological and regional development.

Hosted by UNESCO, the conference welcomed over 4,000 delegates from over 150 countries, marking its first-ever edition in Asia.

Beilun's success stems from its ecological commitment. As an industrial hub, it has invested 2.1 billion yuan ($294 million) to build Zhejiang's first beautiful bays, protecting over 750 marine species. It also leads in rescuing endangered species like the Chinhai spiny newt and has created a marine biodiversity experience site.

With 2,341 wild species, including 65 protected ones, Beilun has turned ecological assets into green capital. Since 2021, it has partnered with Meigu, channeling 72 million yuan into joint development. Initiatives include an industrial park creating over 500 jobs, logistics improvements cutting costs by 50 percent, and agricultural projects boosting local incomes while easing environmental pressure.

Notably, Meigu's panda population in Dafengding Nature Reserve increased from 22 to 28, and rare species have reappeared. Looking ahead, Beilun aims to expand biodiversity-based cooperation into carbon trading and genetic resource protection, offering a model of Chinese ecological wisdom that the world can replicate.