An ecology pavilion in Beilun district, Ningbo. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Beilun district of Ningbo, Zhejiang province, was honored as a "Biodiversity Charming City" at an event held as part of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) in Cali, Colombia.

Beilun, nestled along the coast of the East China Sea, is blessed with a diverse array of ecosystems. These include forests, shrublands, rivers, lakes, oceans, and farmland, contributing to the district's impressive forest coverage rate of 36.79 percent and a total green space area of 1,252 hectares.

Beilun's dedication to biodiversity conservation is evident in its numerous initiatives. The district has accelerated its exploration of regionally specific biodiversity protection paths, embarking on a sustainable development journey that harmonizes ecological beauty, industrial prosperity, and public well-being. To this end, Beilun has continuously optimized its spatial conservation pattern for biodiversity, strengthening in-situ conservation systems and initiating comprehensive biodiversity surveys of both land and sea areas to fully understand its ecological assets.

The district has invested heavily in ecosystem restoration projects, such as the comprehensive remediation of Meishan Bay, which has cost over 2.1 billion yuan ($294 million). This effort has transformed Meishan Bay into a new tourist attraction. The district has also achieved a number of notable milestones, including being named a national ecological civilization demonstration zone.

Beilun has fostered a comprehensive public participation system for biodiversity protection and established the "Green Port City" public engagement brand, collaborating with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to create an innovative benchmark area for environmental education and publicity.

The district has also opened the province's first marine-themed provincial biodiversity experience site, which has welcomed over 20,000 visitors for thematic study tours and exhibitions, generating an annual economic benefit of over 2 million yuan.