Global experts praise China's ecological achievements at a seminar in Beijing

A specialized seminar on forestry carbon sequestration concluded in Beijing on Monday, earning praise from participants for showcasing China's ecological achievements and offering practical insights into forestry carbon management.

The two-week program was hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and organized by Beijing Forestry University, with 24 attendees from six countries across Asia and Africa taking part. It combined theoretical lectures on China's ecological civilization policy with field visits to key ecological sites in Central China's Hubei province, allowing participants to observe firsthand the integration of ecological protection into regional development strategies.

"The seminar provided a well-structured blend of theory and fieldwork on forestry carbon sequestration," Dombeu Kaam Rene Maurice, an official from Cameroon working for the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, said. "The knowledge we gained could be a game-changer in addressing climate change."

He also highlighted China's long-term planning in ecological governance. "During our visit to Hubei, it became clear how ecological targets are embedded in the government's five-year plans."

Karen Chow, an official with Malaysia's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability underscored that environmental protection demands sustained and well-funded efforts.

"Seeing Hubei's environmental stewardship in person was inspiring," Chow said. "The Chinese government and its people have shown remarkable dedication in mobilizing resources to restore ecosystems in a holistic manner."

Senaratne Gamaralalage Priyantha Bandula, a forestry official from Sri Lanka, said the workshop prompted a shift in his country's outlook on carbon trading and sustainable industrial development. He noted that China has set a leading example by advancing wood-based industries without compromising environmental integrity—particularly in reforestation and clean energy utilization.

Looking ahead, participants expressed strong interest in deepening collaboration with China in areas such as carbon project development, technical training and sustainable forest management. Many saw the seminar as a foundational step toward more impactful cross-border climate and forestry initiatives in the Global South.