China has released a comprehensive white paper detailing a decade of achievements in marine ecological environment protection, showcasing significant strides in combating ocean pollution and restoring marine ecosystems.
The 27,000-word document, unveiled by the State Council on Thursday, is divided into seven parts and outlines China’s strategies for promoting a green and low-carbon marine economy, as well as fostering international cooperation on marine protection.
Over the past ten years, China has implemented robust measures to address marine pollution. The treatment rate of sanitary sewage in both urban and rural areas has increased, with strict monitoring of sewage outlets to rivers and seas. Systems have been established to intercept, collect, transport, and dispose of ocean waste effectively.
In the Bohai Sea, a key area in northern China, 82.3 percent of the coastal waters met the standard for good water quality in 2020, with a pH value ranging from 7.8 to 8.5. This represents a significant improvement of 15.3 percent compared to 2017.
China has also divided its offshore areas into 283 bay units, with 167 of them achieving good water quality in over 85 percent of their areas. Endangered species such as Bryde’s whale, the Chinese white dolphin, and the black-faced spoonbill are now frequently sighted in many bays, indicating successful conservation efforts.
The white paper emphasizes China’s commitment to promoting a sustainable and green marine economy. By enhancing international cooperation and adopting innovative strategies, China aims to continue improving the marine ecological environment and contribute to global ocean conservation efforts.
Reference(s):
China's white paper on marine protection: A summary of the last decade
cgtn.com
