An event marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, held annually on May 22, was held Wednesday in Wuzhishan city, south China's Hainan Province.
Under the banner "Be Part of the Plan", the event convened representatives from international organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Union.
Recognizing biodiversity as the foundation of life, China has elevated its conservation to a national strategic priority. This crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, promoting scientific research, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring human well-being necessitates continuous efforts.
The country is continuously improving laws, regulations, and mechanisms for biodiversity protection, and taking action to vigorously enhance its ability to ensure its natural ecosystems thrive.
Official data reveals that 90 percent of terrestrial ecosystems and 74 percent of key national protected wildlife populations are now under effective protection in China.
China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment pledged a stronger leadership role in global environmental governance.
"This year marks the fourth year and also the last year for China to hold the presidency of 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. We will continue to demonstrate leadership as the chairing country, actively tell the stories of China's biodiversity conservation through multiple channels and in multiple forms, raise public awareness about biodiversity conservation and make Chinese contributions to global biodiversity protection," said Zhang Yujun, director of the Department of Nature and Ecology Conservation under the ministry.
China holds event to mark International Day for Biological Diversity
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), a mega-size sea crossing linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao, received 149,000 tourists in half a year after it opened to tour groups, according to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Customs.
The world's longest cross-sea bridge opened for group tourists on a trial basis on Dec. 15 of last year, allowing tourists from the mainland with valid ID cards and those from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions with mainland travel permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents enjoy the tour during the trial operation.
Tourists must book the tour via the official WeChat account of the bridge tour.
The 140-minute tour starts from the Zhuhai port and ends at the Blue Dolphin Island. During the tour, visitors can get a close-up view of the sail-shaped Jiuzhou Bridge, the dolphin-shaped Jianghai Bridge, and the Qingzhou Bridge in the shape of a Chinese knot.
As the bridge and the Blue Dolphin Island are customs supervision areas and port restricted areas, it is an innovative measure to carry out tourism in the area.
"To ensure a comfortable and smooth passage for tourists, joint customs and security inspections are conducted on passengers' luggage and belongings using a 'one machine, dual screens, one-pass inspection' approach. In addition, we have conducted health inspections, including micro-climate and air quality testing, in indoor public spaces on the island to ensure food and public hygiene safety on Blue Dolphin Island," said Hu Zhengyu, an officer of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Customs.
"This is my first time bringing children to visit our Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The entire customs clearance process had been very smooth since I got off the taxi," said a tourist surnamed Feng.
As of Saturday, the bridge had received averagely more than 800 tourists a day, and 1,200 tourists a day at the peak season.
The increasing popularity of tourism on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge further promotes economic development and cultural exchange in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating its deep integration.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge receives 149,000 tourists in half year
