An event to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, which is observed annually on May 22, was held in Jingxi City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday.
With the theme "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development," the event, hosted by Guangxi's Department of Ecology and Environment, highlighted the significance of China-ASEAN collaboration in the cross-border protection of biodiversity.
During the event, young representatives from both China and ASEAN, known as "Green Envoys," launched an initiative encouraging collective action for the conservation of biodiversity.
"Guangxi is endowed with unique natural resources, both in terms of its ecological quality index and biodiversity richness. It is very important that we have chosen to hold this event in Jingxi, where the Cao-vit Gibbon National Nature Reserve is located, at the border between China and Vietnam. This allows us to showcase Guangxi's innovative practices and achievements in biodiversity conservation, attracting international attention and exploring new pathways for international cooperation," said Zhang Xingying, Deputy Director General of the region's Department of Ecology and Environment.
During the panel discussion, representatives from biodiversity research institutions, nature reserves, associations, and businesses exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges of biodiversity conservation.
"The government of China maintains deep cooperation and friendship with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment. For example, we are both members of the International Mangrove Center. We have established important cooperation in environmental and natural resource protection through the signing of memorandum of understanding. In addition, China provides us with equipment and technical assistance," said Khimphun Kesor, Undersecretary of State of Cambodia's Ministry of Environment.
"Many factors affect biodiversity, including climate change and pollution. Better cooperation would allow us to mitigate these problems. Indeed, when we have data, we can advise the government on solutions. For now, we have initiated some collaboration. Events like this also allow us to broaden our perspectives," said Le Huu Tuyen, Acting Director of Office of Cooperation and Development, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam National University.
Several key documents were released during the event, including an assessment of new species discovered in the region in 2024, as well as the biodiversity conservation action plan for the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The cross-border protection of the Cao-vit Gibbon is a key component of this plan.
Guangxi marks International Day for Biological Diversity
