According to a senior official from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), China’s initiative to incorporate wetlands into its urban environments sets a remarkable standard for sustainable city development. During an interview with Xinhua, Christine Colvin, WWF’s freshwater policy lead, praised the accreditation of nine Chinese cities as international wetland cities at the 15th Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Colvin highlighted the importance of creating “sponge cities” that promote permeable urban spaces, underscoring that urban growth should not compromise vital wetland areas essential for climate adaptation. She noted that China’s efforts offer valuable lessons to global leaders on the integration of natural landscapes into city planning, which is essential for restoring the natural water cycle.
This forward-thinking approach promises to produce future cities that are resilient to climate changes and provide enhanced water security. Colvin cautioned that the deterioration of landscapes and wetlands threatens food security, water access, and climate stability, emphasizing the COP’s role in establishing future goals and promoting international collaboration in wetland conservation.
Running from July 25 to 31 under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” COP15 aims to unite government representatives in reaffirming global commitments to wetland preservation, highlighting wetlands’ critical contributions to ecological health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Source: news.cgtn.com
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