China.org.cn | November 6, 2024
Shou Xiaoli:
Please continue with the last question.
Phoenix TV:
The Xiamen Approach has provided invaluable experience for the ecological governance of bay-type cities. We've noticed that this approach has been applied in many inland areas. Could you please elaborate on the relevant progress? Thank you.
Liu Guohong:
Thank you for your interest in the Xiamen Approach and for your question. I'd like to express my gratitude to the media for their in-depth reporting and extensive coverage of the Xiamen Approach since last year. Now, I'll provide more information.
The Xiamen Approach represents an approach to urban water management and ecological construction that General Secretary Xi Jinping personally initiated during his work in Xiamen. Starting with the comprehensive management of Yundang Lake, the approach has contributed to the ecological preservation and restoration both inside and outside of the island, with the coverage expanding from the sea area and watersheds to the whole area, coordinating land and sea, as well as rivers and lakes. It has optimized the urban spatial layout, built a beautiful living environment, and enhanced the resilience and vitality of the coastal area, setting a fine example in practically promoting harmony between humanity and nature and building a Beautiful China.
The experience of the Xiamen Approach has expanded from Xiamen to entire Fujian, then to Zhejiang, and now nationwide. Like a spark igniting a prairie fire, it has inspired numerous practices across China for integrated protection and systematic governance of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, and desert ecosystems. Let me share two examples. The first one is Dongtou district in Wenzhou, Zhenjiang province. By implementing the Blue Bay Remediation Project, the district has improved its marine and island eco-environment, enabling residents to benefit from the sea in new ways. This green development path highlights the sea’s charm and preserves nostalgia. The once small fishing village is now a popular tourist destination. Another example is Beihai in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Some of you may have visited Fengjiajiang River in Beihai, especially the Jinhaiwan Mangrove Wetlands, for birdwatching or seaside views. You may not know that over 10 years ago, Fengjiajiang River was a heavily polluted urban river. Over the years, the local government has coordinatively promoted pollution prevention and control, beach restoration, and mangrove conservation. These efforts have resulted in the construction of a "green ribbon," extending from the urban area of Beihai to the Jinhaiwan Mangrove Wetlands, which has become a great place for residents to relax and for tourists to sightsee. There are many such examples across our country, which together paint a vivid picture of harmony between humanity and nature.
To deeply study and apply the Xiamen Approach, the MNR has continued to carry out various promotional activities since the beginning of this year. During this year's World Oceans Day on Jun. 8, 12 cities, including Beijing, jointly launched a Xiamen Initiative to promote ecological progress. Recently, the MNR, together with relevant departments, jointly issued a policy document on studying and applying the Xiamen Approach. We plan to advance ecological protection and restoration comprehensively across all regions throughout the entire process, considering all elements.
Moving forward, we will deeply study and faithfully implement the Xiamen Approach, promoting the integrated protection and systematic governance of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, and desert ecosystems. We aim to build a comprehensive protection and governance framework that extends from mountaintops to the ocean, striving to open new horizons in the construction of a Beautiful China.
That's all for my answer. Thank you again!
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you, Mr. Liu, to all the speakers and journalists. That concludes today's press conference. Goodbye!
Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Yuan Fang, Xu Kailin, Wang Yanfang, Gong Yingchun, Zhou Jing, Mi Xingang, Wang Wei, Li Xiao, Wang Qian, Liao Jiaxin, Zhang Junmian, Li Huiru, Zhang Lulu, Ma Yujia, Wang Ziteng, Liu Sitong, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.