Chinese President Xi Jinping's concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has struck a chord with international observers, who say it underpins China's green gains and offers lessons for global sustainability.
Xi, then secretary of the Communist Party of China's Zhejiang Provincial Committee, first introduced the phrase during a 2005 visit to Anji, a county in Zhejiang Province known for its green hills and bamboo forests.
Erik Solheim, former executive director of the U.N. Environment Programme and former U.N. undersecretary-general from Norway, said China's green achievements stem from the right decisions and concrete actions.
"President Xi Jinping is inspiring people by his speech that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, underlining that economy and ecology is one. China, in May this year, added one hundred gigawatts of solar energy to the grid. It's three times all the hydropower ever established in my home country," said Solheim.
China has actively shared its experience in sustainable development and the green transition with other countries, for example through the Thrace Wind Power Project in Greece, led by China Energy Guohua Investment Europe Renewable Energy S.A.
"Well, environmental protection is built through the whole life cycle of the project. We monitor the biodiversity. We replant the plants and vegetation. And we hope that we can make sure that the project completely aligns with nature. 'Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets' is a great concept that has received a lot of support locally," said Konstantinos Loukidis, the company's development manager.
International observers from Europe, the Middle East and Latin America said China's vision of building an ecological civilization offers lessons for global environmental governance and progress toward the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
Tanya Steele, chief executive officer of the UK office of the World Wide Fund for Nature, the global appeal of Xi's concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."
"I mean, the 'Two Mountains' theory, this is a very, very powerful philosophy. This offers very important lessons to the world as well. China also plays a role around the world in governance for climate and for biodiversity. And that role is important in both signaling China's intent, but also helping all of the world make the green transition that we know is going to be important for future generations," she said.
"Everything we saw in China was really surprising, especially regarding environmental protection and response to climate change. China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a broad consensus on scientific and technological development and natural resource conservation, which resonated deeply with us and also inspired us," said Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, undersecretary of the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Looking ahead to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem of Brazil, Belem Mayor Igor Normando said China's role would be central to expanding cooperation.
"China's attitude is crucial. In fact, it has become a model for many countries to follow. China has made significant progress in promoting sustainable development, respecting the natural environment, and addressing climate change. We very much hope to use the Climate Change Conference as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with China, broaden intergovernmental collaboration, strengthen technological exchanges, and pursue further opportunities," Normando said.
Int'l observers say Xi’s green philosophy underpins China’s gains, offers global lessons
