During a recent visit to Suzhou, Luís Chícharo, Coordinator of the UNESCO Chair in Ecohydrology, Water and Ecosystem and Society from Portugal, expressed great admiration for the city’s integrated approach to ecological and cultural governance.

His tour included the Circular Economy Industrial Park and the historic Pingjiang Road. At the industrial park, he was struck by its scientific and rigorous design, calling the experience “deeply impressive.” Along Pingjiang Road, he praised the picturesque scenery, the well‑managed water bodies, and the harmonious balance between cultural heritage preservation and environmental protection – a governance system that he said works in perfect synergy.

Chícharo believes that Suzhou’s ecological achievements offer valuable lessons for the rest of the world. He pointed out that the city has managed to deliver high‑quality ecological development at a metropolitan scale – a remarkable feat that proves the same model can be adapted to smaller regions across different countries. “This is an exemplary case worth sharing globally,” he said.