In a powerful display of unity, Chinese and African leaders gathered at the University of Nairobi’s Confucius Institute to champion ecological cooperation and a greener future. The China-Africa Ecological Civilization Exchange Forum, hosted by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, brought together officials, diplomats, environmentalists, and scholars to ignite dialogue on environmental sustainability.
A standout moment was the launch of a nature observation program aimed at empowering Chinese and African youth to collaborate on promoting environmental conservation. “We are eager to foster exchanges with the Chinese mainland in our quest to reclaim our green spaces and rivers,” said Njoroge Muchiri, deputy governor of Nairobi County. He shared his inspiration from witnessing the remarkable conservation efforts along the Yangtze River during a recent visit to China.
Muchiri revealed plans for a major rehabilitation program for Nairobi’s rivers in partnership with the Chinese government and investors. “With that, we shall be able to reestablish the ecosystems that used to exist,” he stated.
Nevile Agesa, project manager at the Mara Conservation Fund in Kenya, highlighted how partnerships with Chinese entities have bolstered the protection of habitats facing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. “Collaborations like these are crucial in addressing the triple planetary crisis,” he emphasized.
Hu Henghua, mayor of Chongqing Municipality, underscored the importance of sharing expertise and best practices. “We stand ready to leverage this platform to collaborate with African partners in urban sustainability, clean energy development, wildlife protection, and cultural heritage restoration,” he said.
Chinese ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, noted that Beijing attaches great importance to global ecological health. She pointed out that cooperation with Kenya has boosted the protection of natural assets. Chinese enterprises in Kenya have embraced green practices, especially in flagship projects like the 480-kilometer Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway.
Guo added that the “Partnership Action for Green Development,” announced at the upcoming 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, reaffirms China’s commitment to advancing green energy transition and biodiversity protection in Africa.
The event also featured “The City of Eagles” photo exhibition, showcasing the natural beauty of Chongqing Municipality. The forum served as a beacon of hope, highlighting the collective efforts of China and Africa in forging a sustainable future for generations to come.
