UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences Lidia Brito recently praised China's sustainable development initiatives, emphasizing their alignment with the organization's global vision. In an exclusive interview conducted in September 2025, Brito highlighted China's ecosystem restoration projects as exemplary models integrating environmental protection with economic growth.
The Wuyishan Biosphere Reserve in Fujian Province was specifically cited as a success story, combining biodiversity conservation with sustainable tea cultivation and eco-tourism. "This approach not only restores ecological services but also creates viable livelihoods for local communities," Brito noted, underscoring how such projects preserve cultural heritage while addressing modern sustainability challenges.
These developments come as China continues to implement its ecological civilization framework, with 2025 seeing accelerated efforts to meet both national environmental targets and UN Sustainable Development Goals. The interview coincides with increased global attention on Asia's role in addressing climate change ahead of key international environmental summits scheduled for early 2026.
Watch the full discussion for insights into how scientific cooperation is shaping sustainable development strategies worldwide.
