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.

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

中华白海豚确立为珠海城市吉祥物

近日，珠海在国内首次以地方立法形式将中华白海豚这一物种确立为城市吉祥物，体现了该地促进人与自然和谐共生的理念。中华白海豚作为国家一级保护水生野生动物，素有“水上大熊猫”之称，也是唯一以“中华”命名的海洋豚类。目前已知全世界的中华白海豚约6000头，其中珠江口水域数量最多，超过2000头。珠海海域是中华白海豚分布最密集的区域，是珠江口中华白海豚保护的“主战场”。

“中华白海豚所包含的海洋元素、生态习性、特点形象与珠海市的海洋城市特质、绿美珠海生态、温馨浪漫氛围、青春活力形象等城市特征相匹配。”珠海市人大法制委员会相关负责人雍灵表示，通过立法确定中华白海豚为珠海城市吉祥物，可以增强公众对海洋环境、海洋资源的保护意识。

珠海市文化广电旅游体育局相关负责人翟名表示，视觉化形象将体现中华白海豚文化内涵，展示本土文化特色，打造属于珠海的独特IP。同时鼓励珠海市民和企业事业单位及其他组织为了推广城市吉祥物免费使用，但使用时不得擅自更改，也不得以污损、褪色、有碍观瞻的载体或不规范比例、色彩展示。

关于中华白海豚目前在珠海的保育现状，珠海市海洋发展局相关负责人苏跃朋指出，要全力支持中华白海豚保育基地二期建设，加强对其的监测和保护，以及加快出台相关管理条例，加强监督执法，加大对外的科普宣传，达到全民保护中华白海豚的效果。

文 | 杨雪薇
译 | 赵凡
英文审校 | 林佳岱