County head Ning Yun (first from left) receives the honor of "Biodiversity Charm City" on behalf of Anji. [Photo/WeChat account: anjifb]

During the 8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities, an official parallel event to the United Nations Biodiversity Conference COP 16, on Oct 27, Anji county in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, became the first county in China to be honored with the prestigious designation of "Biodiversity Charming City".

The "Biodiversity Charming Cities" selection is organized by the ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability. Alongside Anji, eight other regions in China, including Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Lishui in Zhejiang province, were also honored.

Ingrid Coetzee, director of the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center, commended Anji for its exemplary practices in establishing nature reserves, promoting ecological agriculture, implementing species recovery plans, and balancing economic development with biodiversity conservation.

The county boasts 471 species of native wild vertebrates, representing 48 percent of Zhejiang's total species. It is home to 11 national first-class protected animals and numerous species listed as vulnerable or above on national and international conservation lists.

Anji has carried out a number of important biodiversity conservation initiatives, including the protection of endangered species, the establishment of wildlife monitoring networks, and the ecological restoration of tea gardens.

"Over the years, Anji has insisted on harmonious coexistence with nature, adhering to green development, protecting in development, and developing in protection," said County Head Ning Yun.