Xiamen leads the way in sustainable coastal development practices
- Xiamen has made significant progress in ecological restoration and sustainable development over the past 30 years.
- International experts have recognized Xiamen's initiatives during a recent event focused on ecological conservation strategies.
- Xiamen's success serves as a model for other coastal cities confronting environmental challenges.
On December 4, 2024, a report highlighted that ports and bay areas are crucial to the global economy, accounting for approximately 60 percent of economic activity, according to World Bank data. Xiamen, a coastal city in China, has risen as a leading example of sustainable development by prioritizing ecological preservation alongside economic growth. Over the past three decades, the city has invested in extensive ecological restoration initiatives that harmonize human activity with environmental health, creating what is termed the 'Xiamen model.' This approach has notably improved living standards while maintaining the biodiversity of the region. The recent event 'China in Dialogue with the World: Storytelling Salon in Xiamen,' held from November 25 to 27, featured international journalists and experts who explored the city's ecological strategies. Participants toured significant sites, such as Yundang Lake and Xiatanwei Mangrove Park, witnessing firsthand how Xiamen integrates urban development with environmental conservation. Discussions with local experts underscored the persistent environmental challenges faced by the city amid climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Xiamen's commitment to integrated coastal management has seen the implementation of innovative projects. These include constructing urban green roofs, restoring mangrove wetlands, and protecting rare marine species like the Chinese white dolphin. International observers, including David Ferguson, lauded these efforts, emphasizing the global urgency to protect mangroves which are threatened in coastal regions worldwide. This recognition reinforces Xiamen's initiative as a model for other vulnerable coastal cities. Furthermore, Xiamen has fostered international cooperation in ecological conservation, hosting the annual World Ocean Week for 19 years. The establishment of the Marine Monitoring and Information Service Center by Xiamen University in 2013 seeks to inspire scientific and technological advancement in coastal development by bringing together diverse experts. As environmental pressures mount, Xiamen's sustainable practices may offer valuable lessons for other regions experiencing similar ecological challenges.