China recently hosted a two-week seminar in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, focusing on the import and export management and protection of endangered species. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and organized by the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration, the event brought together 38 officials and experts from seven developing countries, including Türkiye, Sierra Leone, Iran, Ethiopia, Thailand, Nigeria, and Egypt.
The seminar provided a platform for mutual learning and cooperation among developing nations facing similar ecological challenges. Topics included China’s implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), biodiversity conservation strategies, and the use of DNA technology to combat illegal trafficking of threatened tree species.
Participants shared their countries’ experiences and concerns regarding environmental conservation. Marvel Emelia Bassie from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Resources highlighted the impact of global warming on wildlife migration, noting that many species are forced into unfamiliar climates, often leading to fatal outcomes.
Netchanok Jantawan, an officer with Thailand’s Forest Industry Organization, expressed concerns over illegal wildlife trade. “There is a significant trade in elephants in Thailand, including illegal ivory products, which contributes to the endangerment of wildlife,” she said.
Atife Tuba BEKEN, a marine hatchery manager in Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, discussed the environmental problems caused by pesticide overuse. “Excessive use of pesticides leads to the destruction of plant and animal habitats,” she explained.
Chinese experts, researchers, and professors from various institutions shared knowledge and case studies on endangered species conservation and import-export management. The sharing of China’s experiences and solutions was highly valued by the participants.
“It’s very valuable,” said Asghar Samiei, head of the Protection Office of the Natural Resource and Watershed Management Organization in Iran. “Through this conference, I learned a lot about animal protection, such as big data and animal monitoring systems. I hope to bring this knowledge back to my home country.”
Ethiopian representative Daniel Assefa Zinabu, head of wildlife law enforcement at the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, emphasized the need for collective efforts to address global ecological problems. “The world is facing more and more ecological issues, and we need to work together to solve them,” he said, expressing hope for increased cooperation between China and Ethiopia.
Another participant from Ethiopia, wildlife researcher Sena Gashe Hora, praised China’s forest protection efforts. “Deforestation is a serious global problem, but China has set a good example for forest protection in developing countries. I am grateful to China for sharing its experience and hope to have another opportunity to come back,” he said.
The seminar not only enhanced multilateral cooperation in endangered species conservation but also contributed to building a community of life between humanity and nature. By sharing knowledge and working together, these developing nations aim to tackle the pressing ecological challenges facing the world today.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
