On October 19, the 2024 Forum for Promoting Global Ecological Civilization (Erhai) was held in Dali, Yunnan. Nearly 300 guests from over 30 countries and regions gathered by the shores of Erhai Lake under the theme “Working Together to Promote Eco-friendly Modernization.” The event aimed to share practical experiences from various countries and explore discussions on ecological civilization and environmental protection.
“Ecological civilization is crucial for the modernization processes of countries and the sustainable development of human civilization,” noted Du Zhanyuan, a standing committee member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and director of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration. He emphasized the importance of promoting eco-friendly modernization through a development model that fosters harmony between humanity and nature, leveraging technology for good, and enhancing the exchange of beneficial practices in ecological civilization among nations. He called for a united global effort to accelerate joint action in ecological progress.
Guo Weimin, president of the China Public Relations Association, shared insights on enhancing communication around ecological civilization. He stressed the need for targeted and effective messaging, advocating for innovative communication methods, including visual and interactive products and the application of artificial intelligence. His goal is to showcase successful practices and exemplary cases of ecological civilization development in China to promote international cooperation.
Dario Mihelin, the Croatian ambassador to China, expressed his observations after visiting various regions in China. He noted that the principle of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” heavily influences and drives China’s ecological civilization efforts. Mihelin highlighted ongoing and fruitful cooperation in biodiversity protection between Croatia and China, mentioning increasing Chinese investments in renewable energy in Croatia and the desire to further enhance comprehensive cooperation.
Adelina Santos Borja, vice chair of the International Lake Environment Committee’s scientific committee, emphasized the need for participation from governments, enterprises, research institutions, NGOs, and international organizations in comprehensive lake governance to achieve eco-friendly modernization in lake basins. She sees the Erhai Forum as a platform that unites stakeholders from local, national, and global levels in the shared pursuit of sustainable lake basin management.
The forum also released the “Global Corporate Green, Low-carbon, and Sustainable Development Initiative (Erhai)” and discussed the future of blue carbon, including plans for a macroalgae carbon sequestration project among Belt and Road Initiative countries. Additionally, it launched the “Silk Road Hundred Cities” initiative with the “Dali Transmission” project, aiming to further promote international cooperation in green and low-carbon development.
