The 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. On the Youth and Future Generations Day on November 10, 2022 at COP27, the Youth Environmentally Friendly Actions Committee of All-China Environment Federation (ACEF-YEFAC), together with supporters, officially launched the Birds Protection and Climate Action Initiative of Chinese Youth (hereinafter referred to as the Initiative) at UNFCCC Press Conference.
As a joint supporter of the initiative, State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) shared its innovative measures and long-term actions in bird protection at the conference to inspire and appeal to more youth to participate in actions of biodiversity protection and active response to climate change.
“Birds are an indispensable family member of the earth. Many endangered species live in those important bird habitats. Protecting migrant birds and their habitats can prevent the destruction of biological chain and eco-environment, and humans can better protect biodiversity and effectively tackle climate change.” Zhu Jie, youth representative from SGCC, pointed out the significance of bird protection to the sound development of the ecological environment.
Based on his work experience, Zhu shared the process of coexistence between Yangzhou Power Supply Company of State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd. and the endangered oriental storks from “repelling and protecting” to “harmonious coexistence”, showing Eastern wisdom behind innovative technologies to solve crisis caused by birds nesting in transmission towers. He also introduced SGCC’s protection of endangered oriental storks in cooperation with the government, including establishing the “Oriental Stork Reserve”, assisting the government to issue the Measures on Strengthening the Construction and Management of the Oriental Stork Reserve in Gaoyou, implementing the charity project of “Migrant Birds Lifeline” in coordination with 20 provincial power grid companies along the bird migration routes, and mobilizing employees and external organizations to organize bird protection and other actions. Chinese power grid companies have demonstrated their determination for the harmonious development of economy, nature and society. Fortunately, at present, the volunteer service team for bird protection has rescued nearly 20 injured oriental storks until they are healed and released.
According to the report of the 20th CPC National Congress, China will pursue green development and promote harmony between humanity and nature, and respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature is essential for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. SGCC has played a leading role and long practiced this principle. The support for the Birds Protection and Climate Action Initiative of Chinese Youth made the public see that from “prevention” to “bird protection” of the SGCC for birds. It is Chinese youth who draft the blueprint for the coexistence of power grid and national treasures, wild animals, and nature.
The launch of the Initiative was echoed and supported by universities, enterprises and social organizations in China. At the same time, as one of the key actions of the “Eudemon of Birds”project co-initiated by ACEF-YEFAC and the “Buy + Research Institute” channel owned by GoldenBee at Bilibili.com on May 14, 2022, the World Migratory Bird Day, the launch of the Initiative also showcased to the world the determination and faith of Chinese youth, enterprises and social organizations in active climate change responses and biodiversity conservation with professional capabilities.
