China has made significant strides in biodiversity conservation, with rare and endangered species rebounding and their habitats steadily improving, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
Thursday marks International Day for Biological Diversity, under the theme "harmony with nature and sustainable development."
Currently, more than 200 rare and endangered wild animal species have entered the phase of recovery, while over 100 endangered plant species are now under conservation efforts.
The latest data from the 2024 national waterfowl monitoring program reveal that the total number of wintering waterfowl in China has reached 5.059 million, marking the highest recorded figure to date.
China's biodiversity continues to thrive in several key regions.
In the Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province, the population of Tibetan antelopes has increased from fewer than 20,000 in the early 1980s to over 70,000 today.
The Giant Panda National Park, spanning Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces, has established 13 ecological corridors, effectively protecting over 70 percent of the wild panda population.
The Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park in northeast China has implemented an integrated monitoring system. The park boasts more than 70 wild Siberian tigers and 80 wild Amur leopards.
In Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in south China's Hainan Province, the population of gibbons has rebounded to seven groups of 42 individuals.
Wuyishan National Park in east China has discovered new species including forest frogs and clubmoss.
Since its establishment, the China National Botanical Garden in the capital Beijing has collected over 5,000 living plant specimens of 2,800 species, including 110 national key protected species and 65 rare and endangered species.
The South China National Botanical Garden, in south China's Guangdong Province, has gathered more than 8,500 living specimens of 4,200 plant species, including 285 national key protected plants and 469 rare and endangered species.
China plans to further improve its ex-situ conservation system, which includes botanical gardens, germplasm resource banks, and wildlife rescue and breeding centers.
New national botanical gardens will also be established, and flagship animal protection research centers will be developed to strengthen biodiversity protection across the country.
China makes remarkable achievements in biodiversity conservation
China makes remarkable achievements in biodiversity conservation
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
