Sustainability Tour 2024 - Weekly Blog#6: Cycling between Cities and Forests to Discover Environmental Protection

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Sustainability Tour 2024 - Weekly Blog#6: Cycling between Cities and Forests to Discover Environmental Protection

During Week 6 of the Sustainability Tour, we traveled to Beijing and Jiangxi. Vloggers Xiaoyu and Shasha explored two more EU-China environmental cooperation activities: a cycling event in Beijing and the Yangtze River Economic Belt Rare Tree Species Protection and Development Project.

© European Union, 2024

Creating a sustainable living environment is key in today's society. This week, vloggers @小宇Sylvia and @摄影师莎莎爱旅游traveled to Beijing and Jiangxi to visit environmental and sustainable practices in stunning landscapes.

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Sustainability Tour 2024 - Cycling with EU Diplomats in Beijing

Location: Tongzhou, Beijing

This week, @小宇Sylvia joined EU and EU Member States' diplomats on a bike ride in Beijing. Together, they cycled 15 km, reducing individual carbon emissions by 3 kg. During this ride, this group of more than 30 people - including Ambassadors of the EU and Denmark, diplomats from the EU Delegation, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Netherlands, Latvia, Romania, as well as Chinese friends and partners-reduced their carbon emissions by around 90 kg. Throughout the event, Xiaoyu witnessed shared efforts between the EU and China in promoting a green lifestyle and sustainable development. She enjoyed with European friends the joy of outdoor experiences and a mutual pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle. Jorge Toledo, EU Ambassador to China, delivered the kickoff speech. He reminded that the EU is committed to becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050 and that carbon emissions have been steadily decreasing since 1990. Meanwhile, the EU has been continuously increasing support to partner countries to promote the global green transition. The Ambassador also mentioned that companies and people in the EU have learned to adjust their practices with the goal of replacing single-use plastics.

During a plastic-free picnic, Xiaoyu and the diplomats exchanged their own environmental practices and discussed ways to integrate green concepts into daily life. Ambassador Jorge Toledo, Ambassador of the European Union to China, highlighted the vital role of youth engagement and policy collaboration between governments in achieving sustainable development. Talking to the Ambassador of Denmark to China, and diplomats from the Embassies of Estonia and Finland, Xiaoyu learned more about cultural exchanges and commitments to promote a green transition and sustainable development. This experience reinforced her belief that environmental campaigns like this can enhance public awareness of environmental issues.

After the trip, Xiaoyu reflected on how the event gave her a new perspective on Beijing and highlighted the immense potential of EU-China cooperation. For her, this event has far-reaching significance. It is not only a cycling event bringing together people from the EU and China, but it is also an active experience of an environmental-friendly lifestyle and sustainability. Green transportation, such as cycling, and environmental practices in people's lives are important pieces towards more sustainable economies and societies. Everyone has a role to play in driving society toward a more sustainable future.

Greening for Future: EU China Cooperation on Protecting Rare Tree Species along the Yangtze River

Location: Anfu County, Jiangxi

Cycling beyond striking rock formations and ancient trees, @摄影师莎莎爱旅游arrived at Jiangxi Yangshimu Scenic Spot and the Taishan Branch of the Mingyueshan Forest Farm. It was a 10-kilometer trip, reducing carbon emissions by around 2 kg.

At the Taishan Branch of the Mingyueshan Forest Farm, Shasha gained deeper understanding of the EU-China Eco-Forest Cooperation Project. First started in 2009, the project is now in its third phase. The EU supports the project through loans provided by the European Investment Bank. The objective of the project is to develop mixed forests of rare tree species, promoting their protection and growth. The initiative also introduces advanced international concepts and technologies in sustainable forest management to improve forest quality and safeguard rare species, such as the European model of "mixed redwood forests".

Among the positive impact of this project, we see the protection and growth of rare tree species, stabilization of forest community structure, increase of forest coverage, enhancement of biodiversity, and boost of carbon storage. Additionally, the project seeks to increase the added value of forest products by cultivating traditional Chinese medicine plants and mushrooms.

Shasha experienced the natural beauty of the forest farm firsthand and had an in-depth conversation with Mr.Zhu Tianshun, Deputy Directorof Taishan Branch of the Mingyueshan Forest Farm,to learn more about the project. She was deeply impressed by its success in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

The project has significantly contributed to both environmental improvement and sustainable development in the region. Initiatives like this can enrich cooperation between the EU and China on forestry while empowering local communities to actively participate in environmental protection and sustainable forest management.

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Both @小宇Sylvia and @摄影师莎莎爱旅游had very insightful trips this week. In Beijing, Xiaoyu shared the experience of cycling travel and plastic-free practices with European diplomats. Meanwhile, Shasha learned that the EU and China cooperate to protect forest biodiversity and maintain ecological balance with the support of technology.

Next week, the Sustainability Tour 2024 continues. Get ready for more stories on environmental protection and sustainability!