Guiyang celebrates International Day for Biodiversity

College volunteers learn about the importance of refuse sorting during the International Day for Biological Diversity. [Photo/WeChat account of Guiyang Ecological Science Museum]

To spread the word about the need for biodiversity, Guiyang – capital city of Southwest China's Guizhou province – conducted a series of publicity events on May 22 to mark this year's International Day for Biological Diversity.

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 as International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise global awareness about the importance of protecting biological resources and the global biodiversity that shapes the environment – not only the various species of plants, animals and microorganisms, but also their genetic diversity, as well as the great variety of ecosystems that make up the planet.

The Guiyang program, themed on "taking care of nature is everybody's duty", featured various initiatives – including the distribution of banners and publicity materials provided by the Nanming district branch of the Guiyang bureau of ecology and environment, which first hit the streets on May 21.

In addition, the Yunyan district branch spread the word in its local communities the following day. A series of fun activities, including Q&A events, helped pique the interest of residents and students.

A number of college volunteers also gathered in the Guiyang Ecological Science Museum on the same day, handing out brochures, reusable shopping bags and tableware to raise people's awareness about conservation.

Guiyang has been working on its protection of biodiversity in recent years and it is currently home to 26 nature reserves covering 1,035 square kilometers, accounting for about 12.8 percent of its total area.

It is understood that since 2015, the city has established an additional 660 parks – including forest parks, wetland parks, mountain parks, city parks and community parks – taking the total to 1,025.

In addition, Guiyang has intensified its efforts to monitor and restore the local ecology and  environment in line with directives released by various municipal departments last December.

Taking into account its ecosystem, diversity of species and landscape, Guiyang plans to further enhance its efforts to promote biodiversity and create an ecological civilization in the near future.

Creating ecological civilizations in China is part of a national program to, among other things, vigorously pursue the path of sustainable development while protecting the environment.