Chongqing - The beautiful Earth is home to humans and countless other living creatures. Protecting biodiversity means safeguarding the future of humanity. In recent years, Chongqing has intensified its efforts to protect the ecological environment, showcasing the vibrancy of this ancient mountain city through the harmonious coexistence of mankind and nature.

In today's program, iChongqing’s presenter Alex introduces us to Chongqing's achievements in biodiversity conservation. Due to its unique geographical location at the transition zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the plains of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing boasts a complex terrain and diverse water and heat conditions, making it one of the world's 34 biodiversity hot-spots.

A prime example of Chongqing’s conservation efforts is the Shuanggui Lake National Wetland Park in Liangping. The park has become a sanctuary for migratory birds, with over 12,000 birds, including rare species like the Chinese merganser, greylag goose, and mandarin duck, visiting in 2023. The park's initiatives include regular patrols, nature conservation activities, and the planting of rice to provide food for the birds, thereby creating a safe and sustainable habitat.

Moreover, Chongqing has made remarkable strides in protecting rare plants, notably the lotus-leaved maidenhair fern. This species was on the verge of extinction due to human activities and its slow reproduction rate. The Chongqing Three Gorges Rare Botanical Garden has successfully propagated over 20,000 ferns and plans to reintroduce them into their natural habitat, thus preserving their genetic diversity.

In addition to these targeted efforts, Chongqing has established a comprehensive framework for ecological protection. This includes delineating ecological protection boundaries, creating a network of nature reserves, developing biodiversity observation systems, and implementing aquatic ecological projects in key water areas. These measures have significantly enhanced the stability and ecological services of Chongqing's ecosystem.

"All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from Nature," a Chinese saying goes, encapsulating the essence of Chongqing’s environmental philosophy. By focusing on biodiversity, Chongqing is not only preserving the natural environment but also ensuring a sustainable future for its residents.