Achieving low-carbon and green development on an island is a topic of concern for the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF).
On June 27, 2023, the Secretariat of CBCGDF held an online meeting with Jiangsu Modern Low Carbon Technology Research Institute to discuss future collaboration. Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of CBCGDF, Dr. Xu Yongjun, President of Jiangsu Modern Low Carbon Technology Research Institute, Director Chen Xinguo from the Microgrid Center, Director Han Yue from the International Cooperation Center, and representatives from the International Department of CBCGDF attended the meeting and had in-depth discussions on zero-carbon island planning and strategies.
Credit: Canva
Dr. Zhou Jinfeng expressed his gratitude for the invitation from Jiangsu Low Carbon Institute and stated that CBCGDF is willing to participate in the planning of zero-carbon islands. During the discussion, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng pointed out that promoting green and low-carbon work should be guided by ecological civilization ideology, combined with biodiversity synergy to achieve green and high-quality development, and ultimately reach the goals of low-carbon and zero-carbon. For example, the afforestation in the Nanhui Dongtan coastal wetland area of Shanghai has destroyed the ecological functions and values of the original coastal wetland. Such practices are absolutely wrong, and the pursuit of low-carbon goals should not come at the expense of biodiversity. Another example is the large-scale land reclamation that occurred on Hainan's Haifah Island, which was an achievement of industrial civilization but caused the death of coral reefs and white abalone, highlighting the regrets that should be avoided in the era of ecological civilization. Therefore, in order to make the zero-carbon island planning a global demonstration project, showcasing China's capabilities and telling the Chinese story, it is recommended that Jiangsu Low Carbon Institute always pay attention to the impact on local biodiversity and give it full consideration as a necessary factor in the planning process.
Subsequently, the two parties discussed specific project details. Dr. Zhou Jinfeng introduced the five biodiversity-related standards released by CBCGDF's Standardization Committee, namely "Biodiversity Survey and Monitoring Standard" (T/CGDF 00001-2020), "Biodiversity Assessment Standard" (T/CGDF 00002-2020), "Biodiversity Restoration Standard" (T/CGDF 00003-2020), "Biodiversity Adaptation Specification" (T/CGDF 00008-2020), and "Biodiversity Offset Standard" (T/CGDF 00005-2020), explaining the boundaries of biodiversity assessment and investigation. Dr. Zhou Jinfeng also emphasized that one of the ultimate purposes of addressing climate change is to protect biodiversity and the shared home for all life, with the priority being "green mountains and lucid waters". Human industrial activities should respect the scientific laws of nature; otherwise, the priorities would be reversed. At the same time, when judging whether a certain work (such as supporting energy transition) is suitable, it is important to compare the before-and-after effects rather than relying on a single rigid standard for evaluation.
At the end of the meeting, both parties expressed their gratitude and agreed to further discuss the follow-up cooperation at a later date.
(Authored based on meeting records)
Compiled by: Richard
Reviewed by: Linda
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
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