China, Africa Push Deeper Green Cooperation Through Biodiversity, Tourism Partnerships

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Chinese and African officials have called for stronger cooperation on biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism and climate resilience as Beijing expands environmental and cultural partnerships across Africa under its broader China-Africa cooperation agenda.

The calls came during a wildlife and wetlands exhibition in Nairobi marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, where diplomats, tourism officials and conservation experts highlighted growing collaboration in environmental protection, sustainable tourism and cultural exchange between China and African countries.

The exhibition, titled “Enchanted Encounters: From China’s Yellow Sea Wetlands to African Savannas,” forms part of activities linked to the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and reflects Beijing’s increasing focus on green diplomacy across the continent.

Chinese officials linked the initiative to commitments announced during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, where China pledged expanded cooperation with African countries in biodiversity protection, ecological governance, renewable energy and climate adaptation.

Speaking at the event, Chen Weihong, Vice Mayor of Yancheng City in China’s Jiangsu Province, said China and Africa share a common responsibility in protecting ecosystems threatened by climate change and environmental degradation.

“From the Yellow Sea wetlands to the African savannas, we are all guardians of the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature,” she said.

Zhou Jun, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said Beijing has strengthened biodiversity governance under its ecological civilization policy while supporting conservation initiatives in developing countries through international cooperation mechanisms.

He pointed to China’s support for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, which finances environmental and conservation projects in several African countries.

The event also reflected Africa’s growing push to link conservation with tourism-driven economic growth as governments seek to diversify tourism products beyond traditional wildlife safaris.

Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive June Chepkemei has in recent months advocated for tourism models centered on sustainability, cultural heritage, conservation and community-based experiences as part of East Africa’s broader tourism diversification strategy.

Chepkemei has also promoted eco-tourism, adventure tourism and conservation-focused travel as key growth areas for Africa’s tourism industry amid rising global demand for sustainable travel experiences.

The exhibition featured wildlife photography and ecological landscapes from China and Africa, including migratory birds, elephants, rhinos and endangered wetland species, while promoting eco-cultural tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

China has increasingly expanded its engagement in Africa beyond infrastructure and trade into environmental protection, renewable energy, tourism and sustainable development, with green cooperation emerging as a major pillar of modern China-Africa relations.