Iran signals readiness to join China’s Heilongjiang green drive
Iran pledged to take part in China’s newly launched “Heilongjiang Initiative”, a UNESCO-backed scheme on biodiversity and sustainable growth, during a global biosphere congress in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.
The pledge was delivered on the sidelines of the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, where Hamid Zohrabi, deputy head of natural environment and biodiversity at Iran’s Department of Environment (DoE), described the initiative as a turning point in linking ecological protection with “sustainable economic development”, IRNA reported.
The plan, launched this year in partnership with UNESCO’s Beijing office, focuses on biodiversity conservation, eco-friendly production and environmental education.
Zohrabi said biosphere reserves are increasingly viewed as models for “nature-based solutions, inclusive livelihoods and resilient markets” as countries accelerate their green transition.
He underlined that the Heilongjiang plan highlights the transfer of ecological values through unique reserves as a strategic tool.
Shina Ansari, vice president and head of Iran’s Department of Environment, headed the delegation attending the Hangzhou congress, which runs from September 22 to 26.
The once-a-decade meeting seeks to streamline priorities and redefine collective action on sustainability, aligning its agenda with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris climate accord.
The gathering is also tied to the so-called “Hangzhou Action Plan”, first presented at the UN Climate Conference in 2023, which calls for immediate and joint steps to counter climate change. It urges states to adopt tougher emission curbs, boost community resilience, and secure more funding for green technologies and renewable energy.
By rallying governments behind shared frameworks, organizers hope the Hangzhou plan will forge cross-border coalitions to deliver on Paris Agreement targets and other environmental accords.