(CFP Photo)
Yangzhou has been honored as one of the role model cities worldwide for urban ecosystem restoration, the only city from China in the initiative, as announced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
UNEP selected 19 cities to participate in the Generation Restoration project, a key contribution to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Global Biodiversity Framework. From 250 applications globally, eight cities were chosen to receive grants for restoration projects, with 11 additional cities, including Yangzhou, as Champions of Restoration for their exemplary practices.
Yangzhou stands out for its rich experiences in urban governance and ecological restoration, especially in managing plastic pollution and household waste. Committed to green growth, the city has placed ecological protection at the forefront of its economic and social development.
Plastic pollution is a daunting challenge for urban ecosystems and biodiversity protection along the Yangtze River. Yangzhou’s approach involves encouraging enterprises, environmental organizations and residents to participate in plastic waste management. This includes awareness campaigns, targeted monitoring, and intensified efforts in waste sorting and door-to-door recycling. The city also promotes standardized recycling of materials in express packaging waste.
Other initiatives include a robust domestic waste collection and transportation system, recycling of renewable resources, exploration of food waste utilization, and optimization of the construction waste industry chain.
A notable example is the Sanwan section of the ancient canal in Yangzhou, which transformed from a polluted area to a picturesque site with lush trees, clean water and a walkway loop. This successful transformation was included in the 2023 World Canal Cities Forum Eco-environment Conservation & Eco-Restoration Cases Collection.
Yangzhou, a city rich in history and culture, has earned international honors, including being named "the Canal Capital of the World,” a UNESCO-recognized Creative City of Gastronomy, and the "Capital of East Asian Culture."
