Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

TO harness the power of the media for the positive impact of mangrove protection, the Global Commercial Newspapers Union unveiled the International Mangrove Ecological Protection Initiative in Shenzhen, gathering representatives from 23 global Chinese-language media outlets at UpperHills in Futian District yesterday.

The initiative states that natural ecology is the collective home of humanity, focusing on promoting scientific education, strengthening ecological legislation, ensuring effective law enforcement and oversight, advocating the value of carbon sinks, fostering international exchange and cooperation, and encouraging united efforts across all sectors of society.

During the ceremony, Shenzhen’s global communication ambassadors, Matteo Convertino and Jane Evgeniia Kozlova, shared their personal stories and experiences related to ecological protection.

Convertino, an Italian expert in ecosystems, highlighted the importance of mangrove conservation, while Kozlova shared her journey in Shenzhen and her involvement with Shenzhen Daily in producing videos on ecological protection.

Ma Haipeng, honorary vice president of Baguang Nature School, delivered an engaging speech, introducing the current condition of Shenzhen’s mangroves and the successful achievements of mangrove protection efforts through collaboration between government departments, institutions, and individuals.

Wang Liqun, the editor-in-chief of Chinese Biz News, a Chinese-language outlet based in the U.S., commended Shenzhen’s dedication to mangrove protection. Wang, who has been actively involved in environmental protection practices, including organizing beach clean-ups, lauded Shenzhen’s efforts. “I have visited Shenzhen several times, mainly focusing on finance and technology, without realizing the city’s exceptional work in mangrove protection. The extensive nature reserve found within an urban area truly amazed me,” Wang said. “I am also pleased to see foreign talents like Dr. Convertino settling down in Shenzhen and utilizing their expertise to contribute to ecological protection. Shenzhen is leading the world in this regard.”

Wang Jun, chairman and secretary-general of the union’s ninth council, said that ecological protection is a global concern. He underscored the responsibility of media outlets in covering stories about mangroves, alongside the contributions made by government departments, social institutions, and civil volunteers.

Shenzhen has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to protecting biodiversity, balancing ecological environment preservation with socioeconomic development. In September, the city officially established the International Mangrove Center. Additionally, the Futian mangrove wetland was designated as one of the Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2022. Together with the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay wetlands in Hong Kong, the Futian mangrove wetland serves as a crucial stopover for tens of thousands of migratory birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway during the winter season.