Tag: Environment
The Clean Energy Transition as a Long Drawn Process
Improving Air Quality in the People’s Republic of China: Lessons from the Greater Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
Asian Development Bank and the People’s Republic of China: Fact Sheet
Asian Development Review: Volume 42, Number 1
ADB Biodiversity and Nature Bond
Customized Low-Carbon Development Models for Rural Areas in the People’s Republic of China
Strengthening the Climate Resilience and Restoration of Wetlands and Lakes in the Yangtze River Floodplain
Strengthening Climate Resilience and Restoring South Dongting Lake
The Asian Development Bank is investing over $3.6 billion in projects like the South Dongting Lake restoration. This ambitious project aims to revitalize one of PRC’s most important wetlands, benefiting local communities and global biodiversity. By improving water quality, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable practices, we can ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
Transcript
Au Shion Yee, Principal Water Specialist, Asian Development Bank
By next year, we will be investing more than $3.6 billion. And South Dongting Lake project through the investment in the wetland improvements, migratory bird habitat improvements, water quality improvements… We can see that this project is really bringing and will continue to bring real benefits to the local communities.
This is the South Dongting Lake. It spans over 168,000 hectares and is one of (the People’s Republic of) China’s most vital wetlands. Hundreds of species, including endangered migratory birds call this area home. It is also crucial in climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, the lake and its surrounding wetlands have been under increasing pressure. Urban expansion, invasive species, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change have led to significant ecological degradation and biodiversity loss.
In response, the Asian Development Bank, in partnership with the Yuanjiang Municipal government, the Hunan Provincial government, the French Development Agency and other partners have launched an ambitious project to further restore and sustainably manage the South Dongting Lake wetlands.
Tieshan Song, Vice Mayor, Yuanjiang Government
We have been actively promoting both preparation and implementation of this project with a focus on the critical issue of South Dongting Lake wetland. We also aim to leverage the ADB project to elevate the restoration of the Dongting Lake wetland system environmental protection and rare species conservation.
Au Shion Yee, Principal Water Specialist, Asian Development Bank
This is one of the first projects that is linked to ADB’s Regional Flyway Initiative, which connects a number of very, significant bird habitat and wetland areas from the northern hemisphere, from northern Siberia down to Australia. So this project is part of a broader, global effort where we can have win-win outcomes, in terms of green development for the local fishermen community transitioning to green economy as well as, ecological benefits for global protected bird species.
The goal is to restore almost 12,000 hectares of degraded wetland, improve water connectivity, and manage invasive species.
Jianzhi Li, Deputy Secretary-General of Hunan Wildlife Conservation Association, and President of Yuanjiang Environmental Protection Volunteer Association
Now, the environment is improving, we expect to see an increase in visitors which will stimulate the local economy, raising incomes and bringing numerous benefits to Yuanjiang City and the South Dongting Lake area.
South Dongting Lake is gradually reclaiming its role as a vital ecosystem, thanks to the focused efforts in restoration and sustainable livelihoods, so that people and nature thrive together.
ADB and NDRC co-host 10th International Conference on Eco-Compensation and Payments for Ecosystem Services
BEIJING, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (5 December 2024) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the People’s Republic of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), with support from the ADB-PRC Regional Knowledge Sharing Initiative (RKSI) and other partners, co-hosted the 10th annual eco-compensation conference in Miyun, PRC, from 25–27 November.
ADB East Asia Director General Muhammad Ehsan Khan and NDRC Vice Secretary General Xiao Weiming opened the conference, while AFNR Senior Director Qingfeng Zhang delivered a keynote presentation, reflecting on achievements from 15 years of ADB-NDRC collaboration, of continuously refining and improving the eco compensation mechanism as a means of financing ecological restoration work in vital ecosystems including the Yangtze and Yellow River basins.
This year’s conference, a regional flagship event led by ADB’s East Asia Regional Department and the Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development Sector Group (AFNR), focused on market-based and user-pays mechanisms, and legal frameworks for eco-compensation and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes. Importantly, the conference served as the international launch of the PRC’s National Ecological Protection Regulations, a pioneering effort at standardizing a mechanism of payment for ecosystem services.
“This conference provides a vital platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration on critical issues related to environmental protection and sustainable financing,” said ADB Director General for East Asia Department Muhammad Ehsan Khan. “ADB is committed to supporting its member countries in developing and implementing effective eco-compensation and PES mechanisms to achieve their environmental and development goals. Eco-compensation mechanisms are not just about protecting our environment; they are about unlocking the economic potential of nature. By investing in natural capital, we can drive sustainable development and create a greener, more prosperous future for all.”
Around 300 participants from government agencies, national and international research institutes, academia, and the private sector attended the event, including delegations from 13 countries. The conference helped strengthen collaboration between the PRC and other developing member countries through sharing of knowledge on sustainable conservation finance strategies.
On the first day of the conference, participants embarked on a field visit to observe various watershed conservation programs in Miyun. This excursion included stops at the Miyun Reservoir Exhibition Museum and Dam, the Chinese Bee Protected Area in Fengjiayu, the Jixing Agricultural Park built on reclaimed wildlands, and the Earth System Simulation Facility. These site visits provided firsthand insights into the practical implementation and diverse applications of modern and sustainable agriculture, engineering and science.
Conference sessions discussed a range of topics including the PRC’s experience in implementing eco-compensation programs, which have contributed towards improving environmental quality and enhancing sustainable agriculture practices, while also enhancing ecotourism activities and promoting nature positive investments. The eco-compensation schemes also serve as a mechanism to channel financial flows from carbon or biodiversity credit schemes.
The conference also facilitated the sharing of experiences and best practices from other regions, including the Greater Mekong Subregion, Lao PDR, and India, with presentations highlighting successful initiatives like the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Discussions highlighted the importance of identifying additional avenues for dissemination of PRC’s rich experiences in implementing eco-compensation mechanisms with other DMCs, including through the RKSI and other knowledge sharing platforms.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
