NINGBO, China, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Green and Sustainable Development Forum was held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, from April 28 to 30. During this international event focused on the green and low-carbon transition, Ningbo presented concrete examples of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
An abandoned quarry was transformed into an international racecourse, whose roar of engines stimulated a growing cultural and tourism sector. A once barren “firewood trail” was transformed into a national mountaineering route, giving rise to distinctive local industries now known as “China’s Hometown of Sports Rods” and “China’s Flashlight Capital”. Ningbo continues to advance its “Eco+” integration model, transforming ecological assets into industrial dynamics, development potential and measurable gains in shared prosperity. The city has developed a practical path to realize the value of clear waters and lush mountains, providing a replicable “Ningbo model” for green and low-carbon urban transformation worldwide.
In Beilun, more than 500 species have been recorded and the district has been designated a “Charming Biodiversity City” by the UN. From the revitalized Meishan Bay in Beilun to the misty expanse of Dongqian Lake in Yinzhou and the historic charm of Moon Lake in Haishu, local authorities are using the “golden key” of ecological governance to revive dormant green mountains and clear waters. Notably, Ningbo’s ecological governance goes beyond mountain repair and water treatment: it integrates “Eco+” development from the source through unified planning and coordinated implementation, protecting ecological foundations while preserving space for industry. This forward-looking approach produced a win-win result for ecology and development; Along the coastline of Meishan Bay, the cultural tourism and leisure industries have rapidly consolidated, welcoming more than 2 million visitors a year.
In Fenghua, the “Common Prosperity Studio” initiative built a full chain platform integrating “5G + IoT + Agriculture” and introduced a model that combines village collective fixed rent, professional business operation and flexible participation of farmers. In Yuyao, Hemudu pioneered China’s first integrated ecological agriculture of raising soft-shelled turtles in aquatic oat fields, balancing ecological protection, food security and income growth for farmers. Zhenhai Refining & Chemical established China’s first “zero waste petrochemical base”, recognized as a national example of “zero waste industrial park”.
Taking advantage of its mountain and sea resources, Ningbo has deepened the chain integration of “ecology + cultural tourism + sports + manufacturing”, continuously converting ecological value into tangible benefits for residents. Ninghai has transformed old abandoned trails into a 500km national mountaineering trail and established a national sports industry demonstration base. Xiangshan used the Asian Games to reinvigorate coastal tourism and open channels for converting marine ecological value. Yinzhou and Haishu have developed biodiversity-friendly districts and townships, fostering new sectors such as educational tourism and cultural and creative industries.
To ensure steady and sustainable green development, Ningbo establishes a multi-stakeholder governance system including the government, businesses and the public. Ninghai pioneered a “Soil and Forest Land Bank,” using financial instruments to unlock the value of forest resources. Yinzhou, Cixi and other regions have mobilized broad public participation in ecological protection, creating a model of co-construction and shared benefits that supports the continuous realization of ecological value.
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SOURCE Ningbo International Communication Center
