MADAGASCAR and Cambodia recently inked cooperation agreements with the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen to bolster international cooperation in mangrove conservation, the center’s preparatory work team said Monday.

The center was recognized and adopted as a new Ramsar Regional Initiative at the 62nd meeting of the Ramsar Standing Committee in Switzerland in September last year.

It has garnered extensive international backing, with Madagascar and Cambodia being steadfast proponents of the initiative.

Last month, delegations from the center visited Madagascar and Cambodia, where they achieved mutual understanding with the relevant departments of the two countries on matters of conservation, restoration, and the judicious utilization of mangroves. They also signed cooperation agreements with the two countries.

The cooperation agreements are expected to bolster the exchange of technology, policies, and management insights related to mangrove conservation and restoration, foster talent in the field, raise public awareness, and further consensus on the critical need for mangrove protection.

Additionally, both countries said they will send representatives to attend the upcoming signing ceremony for the establishment of the center, which will be held in Shenzhen this month.

Locally, Shenzhen has become a hub for the application of new technologies, achievements, and products in biodiversity protection, particularly for mangrove wetlands and birds.

The Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve has implemented a series of ecological restoration projects that have resulted in a notable increase in waterbird species and population.

The reserve is equipped with advanced technologies, such as high-definition cameras and infrared cameras, for intelligent bird monitoring, which also enables round-the-clock birdwatching.

(Zhang Yu)