Diplomats attend charity action for environmental protection in Guizhou

Ambassadors and senior diplomats plant osmanthus trees to symbolize international ecological friendship. [Photo by Xu Han/provided to eguizhou.gov.cn]

On June 5, World Environment Day, more than 20 ambassadors and senior diplomats from 19 countries, including members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), gathered in Bijie, Southwest China's Guizhou province, to attend a charity event supporting ecological and environmental protection.

Manasa Tagicakibau, Fiji's ambassador to China, said in a keynote speech that he was honored to issue a joint declaration on the construction of ecological civilization to mark World Environment Day. This was not just a declaration, he noted, but also a recognition and commitment to global environmental protection.

Paulette Bethel, the Bahamas' ambassador to China, said in her speech that ecological civilization construction relates to the overall security and development of humanity and is crucial for promoting the sustainable development for all humans.

She called on all countries and regions around the world to take action, promote harmony between humans and nature, and continue to support the restoration of the ecological environment.

Ambassadors and senior diplomats sign their names beside the joint declaration. [Photo by Xu Han/provided to eguizhou.gov.cn]

The ambassadors and senior diplomats then signed their names and the names of their respective countries beside the joint declaration.

They also jointly planted 13 osmanthus trees symbolizing international friendship on ecological issues, and listened to a talk about the efforts made to protect the ecological environment and alleviate poverty in Bijie's Huawu village and the Wujiang River Basin.

In recent years, Guizhou has adhered to the development concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. It has also prioritized ecological support and green development.

In 2022, Guizhou's nine major cities enjoyed good quality air days for 99 percent of the year, while its 119 national control sections experienced good surface water quality for 98.3 percent of the year.