Dali stages Erhai forum on eco-civilization in Geneva
The 2024 Erhai Forum on Ecological Civilization and Biodiversity was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 24. West Yunnan's Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, where the Erhai Lake sits, has long been hailed as “Geneva of the East", because of its beautiful sceneries and pleasant climate all year round.
Attendees have a group photo at the 2024 Erhai Forum on Ecological Civilization and Biodiversity.
With a theme of “Strengthening Lake Management, Building a Better World”, the event encompassed a series of activities, from keynote speeches to city promotion, and from dialogues to cultural exhibitions. Participants from both the Chinese and European sides shared insights on freshwater ecosystem management and sustainable use of water resources.
A cultural exhibition named “A Many-Splendored Life in Yunnan’s Dali” took place during the event. Participants took this opportunity to learn more about Dali through photographs and short videos, as well as local ethnic handicrafts such as tie-dyed scarfs and clay sculptures.
Over recent years, China has been committed to global ecological progress. It has also involved itself in global environment governance. President Xi Jinping’s idea of “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" embodies China’s wisdom on how to develop human civilization and build a cleaner and more beautiful world.
The forum was supervised by China International Communications Group (CICG), Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, as well as Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial People's Government. And it was supported by Swiss-Chinese Association, Swiss Chamber of Commerce in China, as well as EurAsia Forum.
A participant speaks at the 2024 Erhai Forum.
Here are some voices from the forum:
Dong Yan, Deputy Director-General of the CICG Center for International Communication Development, thinks that both Erhai Lake and Lake Geneva are models of ecological environment management. "As the head of an international communication agency, I suggest China and Switzerland to further strengthen their collaboration on environmental governance, share experience in lake protection, and deepen cooperation in green development," said Dong.
Dali has long been known for its picturesque landscapes, well-protected natural resources, rich culture history, as well as pleasant climate. People hail it as "Geneva of the East", according to Fan Hong, Head of the Publicity Department of CPC Dali Prefectural Committee. "I sincerely invite friends from Switzerland to come to Dali and enjoy the unique lifestyle there," Fan said.
Dali Bai specialties are displayed at the 2024 Erhai Forum on Ecological Civilization and Biodiversity.
Zhao Guolong, Director of Dali Erhai Lake Administration, noted that through scientific and systematic management, the results of Erhai Lake protection have been fruitful. "As the water quality remains at an ideal level, and the ecosystem around the lake keeps improving, Erhai has genuinely become a cleaner and more beautiful lake than before," said Zhao.
"We should work together to meet the new environmental challenges through pollution control, ecological restoration and a water-quality monitoring system. We should also strengthen international cooperation and encouraging public participation," said Nicole Gallina, General Secretary of International Commission for the Protection of the Waters of Lake Geneva.
A free talk at the 2024 Erhai Forum
Olivier Muller, Chief Operating Officer of Swiss Aqua Filter, holds that the event is a decent platform for exchanging opinions. "I learned much about how lakes have been preserved in both Dali and Geneva. The knowledge and experience will certainly be helpful to my future work."
Diego Salmeron, Vice President of Swiss-Chinese Association, said their cooperation with Dali can be traced back to 2002. "Dali impressed me a lot back then. It’s a place that I definitely want to travel to again."
Trans-editing by Wang Jingzhong; Photos by the organizer; Proofreading by Wang Huan and Wang Shixue