The Green Rural Revival Program, a project initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he served as secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Provincial Committee in 2003, aims to improve the natural environment in the province's rural areas and the quality of life of its residents.
This combo photo shows a view of Zhangwu Village in Anji County, east China's Zhejiang Province in 2000 (above) and a view of the same place on June 13, 2023 (below). Zhangwu Village has witnessed great changes in the last two decades thanks to the promotion of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province, which has helped thousands of villages develop in a green and sustainable way. (Photo: Xinhua)
The program was recognized with a Champions of the Earth Award, the UN’s highest environmental honor, in 2018 for uniquely harnessing the transformative powers of economic and environmental development.
Tu Ruihe, Head of the UN Environment Program (UNEP) China Office, spoke with the People's Daily on how Zhejiang's Green Rural Revival Program has created positive changes that matter to both China and the world.
This aerial photo taken on June 12, 2023 shows a view of Meiyuan Village in Cixi City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Cixi City has been promoting rural revitalization for years. The living environment and life quality of locals have been significantly improved, and the ecological environment of rural areas has also been optimized. (Photo: Xinhua)
"With two decades of comprehensive rural environment management and the building of beautiful countryside, the vast rural areas in Zhejiang Province have been transformed, clear waters and lush mountains have reappeared, the countryside is beautiful, farmers have increased their incomes, and the community is harmonious and prosperous, making it a pioneering demonstration area for green and sustainable development, as well as a practice base and demonstration area for green is gold," Tu said.
"The success of Zhejiang's Green Rural Revival Program demonstrates strong leadership and effective coordination, and innovative actions tailored to local conditions. It has also raised public awareness and mobilized public participation and support," he added.
Aerial photo taken on June 25, 2023 shows an expressway in Hangzhou and Wusi Village in Moganshan Town, Deqing County, east China's Zhejiang Province. Under the Green Rural Revival Program launched in Zhejiang, the living environment in Moganshan Town and life quality of locals have been significantly improved. (Photo: Xinhua)
August 15 marks China's first National Ecology Day, which aims to raise awareness of "ecological civilization" and engage more people in environmental protection efforts.
"Ecological civilization" is a concept promoted by President Xi for balanced and sustainable development that features harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Zhejiang's Green Rural Revival Program is just one example of China's green efforts. The country has witnessed environmental progress in leaps and bounds under the guidance of President Xi's ecological vision.
(Cover designed by Wang Shuqi; Li Ruidi also contributed to the video)