The Construction of A Zero Carbon Island Should Focus on the Conservation of Coastal Wetlands | Zhou Jinfeng Talks about Ecological Civilization (240)
The construction of islands should seek the balance multiple Sustainable Development Goals on the premise of conservation the natural environment, and focus on the synergy between green development and biodiversity conservation. This means reducing the negative impact of development activities on ecosystems and actively considering the protection and restoration of biodiversity during the construction process. By comprehensively considering these factors, we can achieve a positive interaction between island construction and ecological conservation, laying a solid foundation for sustainable human development and healthy coexistence of the natural environment.
Credit: Canva
On June 27, 2023, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), shared his views on island construction at a virtual meeting. He emphasized that even in the construction and renovation process of zero carbon islands, the factor of biodiversity cannot be ignored.
During the meeting, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng mentioned that he found that many people's understanding of biodiversity were still relatively limited, even for highly educated individuals, including some doctoral students in life sciences and forestry. He emphasized that biodiversity is an old but also very new discipline, and its importance cannot be ignored.
Dr. Zhou Jinfeng mentioned that the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) points out that human activities are one of the important factors leading to the rapid loss of biodiversity. Regarding the construction of islands, he emphasized that people's task is not to completely prohibit development, but to minimize negative environmental and ecological impacts, while achieving sustainable development and minimizing damage and negative impacts on the natural environment.
For example, in the development process of islands, full consideration should be given to protecting and restoring the surrounding coastal wetlands.
According to the definition of the Ramsar Convention, the waters with the depth not exceed 6 meters at low tide are all wetlands. These wetlands include coastal swamps, mangroves, lakes, river deltas, etc., and are unique and rich eco areas. Wetland ecosystems have a high degree of biodiversity and are habitats for many rare and endangered species, as well as important sites for migratory birds.
The wetlands around the island are not only a treasure trove of biodiversity, but also have important ecological functions. They can buffer the impact of wind and waves in the coastal zone and reduce the erosion impact of storm surge and waves on the islands. Wetlands can also absorb and store a large amount of carbon, playing a positive role in climate regulation and mitigating climate change. In addition, wetlands also provide abundant fishery resources to support the livelihoods and economic development of local residents.
Credit: The Sea Working Group of CBCGDF
In addition, the coastal wetlands around islands are also important resources for sustainable tourism.
Overall, building ecological islands and protecting coastal wetlands not only help maintain biodiversity, but also improve the environmental quality of islands, enhance their ability to resist natural disasters, and promote sustainable development and ecotourism. This requires that the planning and design of green projects for new energy sources such as offshore wind power should carefully consider these factors.
In island construction, ecological, low-carbon and economic development should be integrated into the unified planning and decision-making process. Through reasonable ecological design and scientific management, synergy between green development and biodiversity can be achieved, laying a solid foundation for future island development, ecological and human health.
Editor: Richard
Checked by YJ
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
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