China wins top vote for 19th consecutive term as IMO Category A Council member

China secured the highest number of votes to win re-election as a Category A member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council on Friday, as the U.N. agency opened its 34th Assembly in London, UK.

The victory marks China’s 19th consecutive term on the IMO’s top governing body.

A total of 169 member states were eligible to vote, and China received 155 ballots -- the highest among all candidates. The result, analysts said, underscores China’s role and significance in safeguarding the security and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains.

The other countries elected as Category A Council members are Italy, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Greece, Japan, Panama, the United States, Norway and Liberia.

According to the IMO Convention, the Assembly elected 40 Council members: 10 in Category A (states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services), 10 in Category B (states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade), and 20 in Category C (states representing major geographic areas of the world and special interests in maritime transport or navigation).

The IMO is the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping, and for preventing marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.

The organization currently counts 176 members, and China has been one of the 10 Category A members of the IMO Council since 1989.

     

China wins top vote for 19th consecutive term as IMO Category A Council member

China wins top vote for 19th consecutive term as IMO Category A Council member

China wins top vote for 19th consecutive term as IMO Category A Council member

China wins top vote for 19th consecutive term as IMO Category A Council member

The Honghe butterfly valley in southwest China's Yunnan Province is expected to see a 10-year high butterfly boom this year.

As one of the world's richest regions for butterfly species, the butterfly valley in Jinping County sees a massive butterfly emergence every year in late spring and early summer.

From May to June, billions of butterflies emerge and fill the skies above the valley.

Experts estimate this year's butterfly number could be the highest in nearly a decade.

Scientists say such a spectacle is only possible in a healthy ecosystem.

For nearly three decades, local resident Yang Zhenwen has devoted himself to monitoring and protecting the butterflies.

Every day during the emergence season, he serves a special meal to help the tiny creatures replenish their energy: a nutrient solution he developed together with researchers.

"The solution is made mainly from local ingredients, including pineapples, fermented glutinous rice juice and brown sugar. After being boiled together, a small amount of salt is added," said Yang.

Yang regularly patrols the mountains, monitors butterfly habitats, records species data and tracks the growth of host plants.

Recently, over 40 content creators were invited to the county to promote biodiversity conservation through artistic installations and online campaigns. With support from the local government, conservation is also driving rural development.

"We have invited some social organizations. They bring some artists to come here to help our people design butterfly craft products, and also, some professional guides to train our people to become a good tourist guide. I would like to say it's a vivid proof of how human beings and nature can live in harmony," said Liu Xuan, deputy head of Jinping County.

The butterfly valley is drawing in a growing number of tourists.

Butterfly boom forecast to hit 10-year high at butterfly valley in Yunnan