In Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, a coastal green ecosystem has become a bridge between China and France for cooperation in environmental protection. The French President recently responded to China's mangrove conservation efforts in a letter, suggesting that environmental protection knows no national boundaries.
Mangroves grow in intertidal zones between land and sea. Their exposed aerial roots trap sediment and dissipate wave energy, curbing coastal erosion and storm damage. Beyond coastal protection, mangroves serve as the sea's "nursery," providing habitats for marine species and underpinning local fisheries.
Located on Guangdong's south coast, Zhanjiang's mangroves play a key role in safeguarding provincial shorelines and preserving marine biodiversity. Pang Muhua, a mangrove specialist at the Zhanjiang Mangrove Wetland Conservation Foundation, said while guiding visitors.
Zhanjiang accounts for 21.5% of China's total mangrove area and 57% of Guangdong's total.
"The conservation effort is a collective endeavor," Pang said, underscoring cooperation between government bodies and international partners.
International participation is expanding. Among the volunteers was a French engineer, Lisa Boulva, from SGD Pharma, who said she was struck by the extent of China's mangrove resources, particularly those in Zhanjiang.
Frédéric Barbier, General Manager of SGD Pharma China, and Fabien Pacory, Executive Vice President of CCI France Chine (China France Chamber of Commerce), highlighted how the project is gaining momentum beyond its pilot phase. Following the French President's reply, they expressed confidence in the ongoing progress and called for accelerated large-scale sapling planting.
Representatives from the French Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Chinese and French business communities visit the Jinshawan Mangrove Science Education Base and take part in tree-planting activity. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
So far a total of 20,000 saplings have been planted under joint efforts, with a goal of 100,000 saplings by 2030. Their message is clear: Zhanjiang's thriving mangroves are becoming a living symbol of Guangdong's green transformation—and an ecological bridge connecting China and France.
Reporter: Xie Maishi, Dai Bosi
Video: Xu Anrui
Photo: Xu Anrui
Design: Lai Meiya
