The Ministry of Ecology and Environment recently criticized Beibu Gulf Port Group for its illegal construction, which caused severe damage to over 41 acres of mangrove forest from 2017 to 2020. The company did not stop its construction work until May 2020 after being warned by a local authority in Beihai. 

As one of the few most diverse ecosystems in the world, mangroves are known as “coast guards”. They can prevent wind and waves, secure banks, protect dikes, and purify seawater. However, in 123 tropical and subtropical countries and territories worldwide, the mangrove area is only about 152,000 square kilometers, which is less than 0.4% of the total forest area in the world.

In recent years, CBCGDF has been making a great effort in protecting mangroves and has established a protected area for mangroves in Hepu County, Beihai, China. 

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Department of Natural Resources in Beihai has issued a notice on stopping the illegal construction work several times to the company from December 2019 to April 2020, but Beibu Gulf Port Group ignored the order. As a large state-owned enterprise, they should take the responsibility of promoting environmental protection instead of acting against it. 

In April 2021, the supervision group for ecological and environmental protection from the central government has officially started its investigation in Guangxi, demanding a radical rectification of Beibu Gulf Port group regarding the illegal construction work. The company has realized their wrongdoing and has determined to enlarge the mangroves area and prioritize green development at any cost. 

Translator/Iris

Original Chinese article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/advrhi3pG2uq4M_uqmlHDQ

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