Jinfeng Zhou: How to Become an Ethical Young Conservation Leader? A Message to Youth Environmentalists

As September 1st approaches, it marks the day when many schools in China start a new academic year. With this moment drawing near, it signifies the conclusion of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation's (CBCGDF) 2023 Summer Youth Talent Development Program. I am pleased to see that during the summer of 2023, a diverse group of individuals, including but not limited to the following, joined our team: a) Students from the "Sustainable Development Talent Development Program" jointly initiated by CBCGDF's International Department and the Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (BNU-HKBU UIC); b) Two doctoral interns from Ocean University of China; c) Two undergraduates from Peking University, along with an exchange student from South Korea. I extend my sincere gratitude for your contributions!

Your participation as interns and volunteers at CBCGDF's International Department is marked by passion and dedication. Today, I wish to discuss on How to become an ethical young conservation leader.

First and foremost, during your university years, I believe it is important to define your values. Identifying your moral values and principles will serve as your guiding light for action. Values such as respect for life, environmental protection, and social justice are all valuable pursuits. Additionally, maintain a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. This can be achieved by reading, participating in seminars, and attending courses to enhance your level of awareness.

Embrace the spirit of resilience and advocacy. In the work of CBCGDF, we often confront challenging questions: advocating for victims of pollution might lead to personal threats from polluting companies or interest groups; over the years, several colleagues have been pressured by their families to resign due to these circumstances. I understand their choices, but I also emphasize that the fight against polluters is far from simple. Upholding environmental public welfare requires courage and strength. We are fortunate to live in an era of positivity, which demands unwavering perseverance in our pursuit of justice. Only then can we ultimately achieve success.

Set an example by seeking those who've made significant contributions in conservation while upholding ethical standards. Learn from their experiences to integrate ethics and action seamlessly. Maintain consistent action aligned with your values. Reject double standards and confront challenges transparently.

And, you may engage with the community through volunteer activities and projects addressing local environmental and social issues. Drive positive change through concrete efforts. By engaging in community-level practical activities, you'll gain fresh perspectives on life and environmental conservation efforts. In this context, I warmly welcome you to explore the Community Conservation Areas (CCAfa) established by CBCGDF. We have established around 200 such community conservation areas nationwide in China, encouraging people to participate in biodiversity conservation.

Advocate and disseminate through social media, public speaking, writing, and more. Promote environmental protection, social justice, and sustainable development. Advocate for "green consumption rights" as citizens, like carrying your cup to avoid disposables, influencing friends and family. As ancient Chinese sages stressed "self-cultivation, family harmony, governing, and achieving world peace," individual actions drive societal change.

Plus, we can support sustainable practices in daily life. Conserve energy, reduce waste, and choose eco-friendly products to reflect ethical orientation in small ways. During your university years, for example, you can often find yourselves engaged in a variety of activities. Have you ever considered how to reduce the carbon footprint and biodiversity impact of these events? Experimenting with carbon offsetting for an event, minimizing energy consumption, adopting green meeting standards... All these small efforts gradually mold you into an "eco-citizen" of the ecological civilization era.

In this era of challenges and opportunities, becoming an ethical young conservation leader is complex yet vital. Let's unite, strive together, and contribute to a brighter future.

Thank you all!

Jinfeng Zhou

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

Contribution

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