In a magnificent display of environmental awareness, Guangdong province celebrated its first-ever "National Ecological Day" on August 15th. Leading up to and following this landmark day, a diverse array of activities took place across various regions of Guangdong, all united in the mission to safeguard our precious ecological haven.

"Watching birds take flight in the morning, all weariness of the early hours dissolves into thin air." On August 13th, in the heart of Guangzhou's Haizhu National Wetland Park, a group of elementary and middle school students embarked on an enchanting "Ecological Field Trip," immersing themselves in the world of avian wonders.

"Guided by my teachers, I've been participating in bird-watching activities since I was in fourth grade," remarked Zhang Haoxin, a student from Guangzhou No. 5 Middle School. She shared how various opportunities like ecological excursions, photography contests, and academic events have introduced her to the breathtaking wonders of nature. She's encountered rare and endangered birds like the Yellow-cheeked tit and Hainan blue flycatcher in numerous locations. Just this July, at Xunfengshan Ecological Park in Guangzhou, she witnessed a national second-class protected wild bird, the Malayan Night-Heron, rearing three adorable fledglings.

"The Malayan Night-Heron has high demands for its ecological environment. On one hand, it requires an ample supply of insects and other foods; on the other, it necessitates high water quality in the area. The fact that this rare species choosesto nest in Guangdong signifies the improving ecological environment in the province over recent years. The habitat for small creatures is gradually getting better," Zhang Haoxin explained.

Over at the Hailing Island Mangrove National Wetland Park, volunteers engaged in replanting and restoration efforts for damaged mangrove areas, taking part in eco-friendly beachcombing and cleanup activities. They immersed themselves in the charm of wetland flora and fauna while collectively safeguarding the maritime forest.

Since being designated as a National Wetland Park, the Haizhu Wetland has transformed into the "Green Heart" of Guangzhou and a beloved "backyard" for its residents, following a decade of ecological conservation and development. This wetland plays a vital role in regulating urban climate, purifying air, preserving water sources, and ensuring ecological security. Over the past decade, water quality has elevated from a poor Class V level to Class III; air quality has notably improved, with a PM2.5 level approximately 20% lower than the surrounding average; biodiversity has steadily increased, with bird species rising from 72 in 2012 to over 180 today. Moreover, the past two years have witnessed the discovery of two new insect species in the world, both christened with the name "Haizhu," and nine new species, making their first-ever appearances in China, have been found in this region.

Diverging from World Environment Day, the establishment of National Ecological Day bears the hallmark of China's ingenuity. Rooted in the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization, our respect for and love of nature have given rise to an ecological culture. The saying "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" encapsulates the concept that verdant landscapes not only represent natural and ecological treasures but also societal and economic wealth. The inception of National Ecological Day reflects China's commitment to fostering a global community of shared life, offering a Chinese solution to drive sustainable development for all of humanity.

广东首个“全国生态日”主题活动精彩纷呈

8月15日是首个全国生态日，在此前后，广东各地举办了各类活动，共同守护我们的生态家园。

“看着清晨的鸟儿振翅高飞，早起的疲倦被一扫而空。”8月13日，在广州海珠国家湿地公园，一群中小学生早早便开始了“生态采风之旅”，走进飞鸟的世界。　　　

“在老师带领下，我从小学四年级就开始参加观鸟活动。”来自广州市第五中学的张皓欣同学说，如今有生态采风、摄影比赛、学科活动等很多渠道让她接触美丽的大自然，她曾在多地见到过黄颊山雀、海南蓝仙鹟等珍稀、濒危鸟类。今年7月，她还在广州浔峰山生态公园目睹国家二级保护野生鸟类黑冠鳽，它在此繁育了三只鸟宝宝。

“黑冠鳽对生态环境要求很高，一方面要确保虫子等食物充足，另一方面还要求当地有较好的水质。这种珍稀鸟类选择在广东筑巢安家，说明广东近年来生态环境越来越好，小动物的生存环境在逐渐改善。”张皓欣说。

在阳江海陵岛红树林国家湿地公园，志愿者通过走访对受损地带红树林补植修复，并进行生态赶海和净滩行动，感受湿地动植物的魅力，共同守护海上森林。

海珠湿地自从保护建设为国家湿地公园后，经过十年的生态保护和建设工作，成了“广州绿心”和市民常来的“后花园”。据了解，海珠湿地对调节城市气候、净化空气、涵养水源、保护城市生态安全起着重要的作用。近十年来，湿地水质从过去的劣V类提升到了Ⅲ类；空气质量明显改善，PM_2.5比周边平均水平低约20%；生物多样性逐年提升，鸟类从2012年的72种上升到如今的180多种，近两年连续发现两个全球昆虫新物种，均以“海珠”命名，新发现9个物种为中国首次记录。

与世界环境日不同，全国生态日的设立饱含着中国智慧。5000多年的中华文明孕育了中国尊重自然、热爱自然的生态文化。“绿水青山就是金山银山”，绿水青山既是自然财富、生态财富，又是社会财富、经济财富。设立全国生态日体现中国共建地球生命共同体的行动，为推动人类可持续发展提供中国方案。

文｜羊城晚报全媒体记者 陈亮 薛仁政
翻译｜刘佳慧
责编｜王瑜瑛