At the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) held in Cali, Colombia, the State Grid Corporation of China took center stage, presenting its innovative “Green Electricity Ark” project. This project, launched in 2022 by the State Grid Corporation, the State Grid Public Welfare Foundation, and the China Environmental Protection Foundation, stands as a testament to China’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
The “Green Electricity Ark” project is a multi-faceted initiative focused on safeguarding rare species in critical ecological zones across China. Its reach extends to 13 areas, including the Xiangshan Jiushan Islands and Baishanzu National Park in Zhejiang. The project’s approach embraces a synergistic governance model, seeking to harmonize the relationship between electric power development and biodiversity preservation.
The project’s core strategy revolves around creating a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It implements a range of measures within these ecological zones, including:
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Building “zero-carbon” microgrids:
This ensures a sustainable power supply for the regions, minimizing environmental impact.*
Strengthening digital monitoring and early warning systems:
This enables real-time observation and swift responses to threats to biodiversity.*
Striving for “eco-imperceptible” grid operations:
This minimizes the footprint of power infrastructure on delicate ecosystems.*
Mobilizing community participation:
This empowers local communities to become stewards of their environment and play an active role in conservation efforts.The “Green Electricity Ark” project has already yielded significant results. It has facilitated the design of conservation strategies for eight types of rare animals and thirty-one types of rare plants, offering tangible pathways to reverse biodiversity loss in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
This project’s impact extends beyond its specific focus on rare species. It represents a paradigm shift in conservation, integrating clean energy solutions and cutting-edge digital tools to empower biodiversity research and practices. The “Green Electricity Ark” project showcases the potential of Chinese energy enterprises to contribute meaningfully to global sustainable development goals.
At COP16, the “Green Electricity Ark” project was selected as the sole energy solution for the “Peace with Nature: Business and Industry Solution Good Practice Cases in China” session, underscoring its significance and highlighting China’s commitment to biodiversity conservation on a global scale. This initiative serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that innovative solutions can pave the way for a harmonious future where humans and nature thrive together.
