Zhuhai has recently become the first city in China to formally designate the Chinese white dolphin as its official city mascot through local legislation, underscoring the city's commitment to promoting harmony between humans and nature. The Chinese white dolphin, a national first-class protected aquatic wildlife species, is often referred to as the "panda of the sea" and is the only dolphin species with "Chinese" in its name. Of the approximately 6,000 Chinese white dolphins known worldwide, over 2,000 inhabit the Pearl River Estuary, making it the region with the highest concentration of these dolphins. Zhuhai's coastal waters are particularly dense with this species, serving as a critical area for the protection of Chinese white dolphins in the estuary.
"The marine elements, ecological traits, and characteristics of the Chinese white dolphin closely align with Zhuhai's identity as a maritime city, reflecting the city's green and beautiful environment, its warm and romantic atmosphere, and its youthful vitality," said Yong Ling, an official from Zhuhai Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee. By enshrining the Chinese white dolphin as the city's mascot through legislation, the city aims to raise public awareness of the need to protect marine environments and resources.
Press conference for the "Decision of the Zhuhai Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee on Designating the Chinese White Dolphin as the Official City Mascot." (Photo by Yang Xuewei)
Zhai Ming, a representative from Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism & Sports, mentioned that the visual representation of the mascot would highlight the cultural significance of the Chinese white dolphin and showcase the city's local cultural characteristics, creating a unique IP of Zhuhai. Citizens, businesses, and other organizations in Zhuhai are encouraged to use the mascot freely to promote the city, provided they do not alter the design or display it in a way that is tarnished, discolored, or visually displeasing.
Regarding the current conservation efforts for the Chinese white dolphin in Zhuhai, Su Yuepeng from Zhuhai Marine Development Bureau emphasized the importance of advancing the second phase of the dolphin conservation base. The city plans to strengthen monitoring and protection efforts, accelerate the introduction of related management regulations, enhance enforcement, and promote public education to ensure widespread participation in protecting the Chinese white dolphin.
Source: Lingnan on the Cloud
