Hangzhou shares experience in biodiversity conservation at COP15

Hangzhou was invited to share its experience in the conservation of biological diversity at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), which was held in Kunming, Yunnan province on Oct 11.

Hangzhou presently has 34 provincial natural reserves, for which the city has established a comprehensive protection system. The city's forest coverage rate is as high as 66.85 percent, the highest among capital cities in China.

Renowned as the 'Kidney of the City', the Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou boasts abundant natural resources and a unique aquatic landscape featuring rivers, ponds, pools, moors, mudflats, and islands.

By improving water quality, controlling pollution, and regularly monitoring the environment, the Xixi wetland minimizes the impact that human activities have on wildlife habitats. The wetland is now an important habitat for numerous birds and fishes.

Statistics from the latest research show that by the end of 2020, Xixi wetland housed 711 vascular plant species, 490 more than in 2005, 898 insect species, 421 more than in 2005, and 193 bird species, 114 more than in 2005.

Moreover, Hangzhou has been pursuing high-quality green development by reducing pollution, supporting emerging industries and restoring farmlands, lakes and mountains.

The city has also established the world's largest public bicycle system, reduced carbon dioxide emissions over the past 10 years by 1.5 million metric tons, and implemented garbage sorting in 4,350 residential communities.

At the UN conference, two biological diversity conservation cases – Qiandao Luneng Resort and Qiandao Lake basin – from Chun'an county in Hangzhou were listed among the 100 outstanding biodiversity conservation projects in the world.