On November 27, 2024, BMW China and the China Science and Technology Museum jointly held the “Building a Beautiful China: Everyone Talks about Science Salon”, which showcased a series of exciting science activities aimed at letting the public understand the importance of wetlands and the principles of the circular economy. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Nourishing Wetlands, Circular Symbiosis” science exhibition, which will be open to the public at the China Science and Technology Museum. In addition, a public welfare documentary titled “Meeting China’s Most ‘Red’ Wetland” was also released on the same day, with insights provided by the Science Celebrity Planet Research Institute.
Wetlands play a vital role in sustaining life as they are an integral part of China’s freshwater conservation, protecting 96% of the country’s total available freshwater. Globally, wetlands are important carbon sinks, storing between 300 billion and 600 billion tons of carbon. The degradation of these important ecosystems poses a serious threat as it leads to increased carbon emissions, which in turn exacerbates global warming. The event highlighted the urgent need for collective action to protect these ecosystems as they are vital to both environmental health and human well-being.
The concept of circular economy has been a key focus of China’s development strategy since it was incorporated into national documents in 2004, emphasizing the sustainable use of resources. This year marks the 20th anniversary of China’s circular economy, during which time China has made significant progress in promoting sustainable practices. In 2017, human consumption of natural raw materials exceeded 100 billion tons per year for the first time, highlighting the urgent need to shift to more sustainable consumption patterns. The circular economy is more than just an economic model, it represents a comprehensive approach to addressing climate challenges and resource scarcity, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental degradation.
BMW has been at the forefront of promoting biodiversity conservation in China and has supported the construction of Liaohekou and Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserves for three consecutive years. Dr. Dai Hexuan, President and CEO of BMW Brilliance, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable development. He said: “BMW’s groundbreaking biodiversity conservation project in China in 2021 is forward-looking and leading. We are taking innovative actions to become part of the biodiversity conservation solution and help build a beautiful China.” This commitment reflects BMW’s understanding that sustainable development includes not only environmental protection, but also the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
In 2024, the BMW Love Fund will continue to support the Liaohekou National Nature Reserve, focusing on water protection and research on flagship species such as the red-crowned crane. For the first time, the project will install GPS satellite trackers on wild red-crowned cranes to monitor their migration trajectories in real time. This innovative approach not only improves research capabilities, but also promotes public participation in biodiversity conservation. In addition, the project will also release a promotional video of the “Three Treasures of Liaohekou Wetland” and a research manual for the Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve to allow the public to have a deeper understanding of the wetland ecosystem.
For more than 20 years, BMW has always been committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. Since its establishment in 2005, BMW has always regarded corporate social responsibility as an important cornerstone of the company’s sustainable development strategy. In 2008, the BMW Love Fund was officially established, becoming the first corporate public welfare charity fund in the Chinese automobile industry, which is of great significance. The BMW Love Fund mainly carries out four major social responsibility projects, namely “BMW China Cultural Journey”, “BMW Children’s Traffic Safety Training Camp”, “BMW Beautiful Home Biodiversity Conservation Action” and “BMW JOY Home”. BMW has always been committed to seeking innovative solutions to solve China’s social problems through these projects.
China’s influence in the international community is increasingly recognized, especially for its commitment to sustainable development and the circular economy. China has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve economic growth while prioritizing environmental sustainability. By incorporating circular economy principles into its development strategy, China is setting a precedent for other countries. Collaborative efforts by organizations such as BMW and the China Science and Technology Museum demonstrate the power of public-private partnerships in advancing environmental protection and promoting sustainable practices.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, the importance of initiatives to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use cannot be overstated. The efforts of BMW China and its partners exemplify initiatives to proactively address these challenges, fostering a culture of responsibility and long-term thinking. By prioritizing wetland health and circular economy principles, China is not only protecting its natural resources, but also paving the way for a more sustainable future for future generations.
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Post time: Dec-03-2024