Island Seeks Views on Integrated Development

Chongming is embarking on a significant journey towards creating a balanced relationship between human activity and the natural environment. The 8th Shanghai Chongming Ecological Island International Forum (2024) seeks to harness innovative technologies to explore a path that takes into account the natural ecology, industrial demands, and human living spaces.

This prominent forum is focusing on preparing a developmental blueprint for what could be known as the “Chongming World-Class Ecological Island.” Over 20 esteemed experts and scholars from a global pool, representing the United Nations Environment Programme, various countries, and regions have convened to bring their insights to the discussion table.

Chongming is dedicated to implementing forward-thinking strategies labeled “+ecology” and “ecology+.” These strategic frameworks are aimed at seamlessly integrating ecology with local production and living standards. The goal is high-level ecological development that not only drives superior quality growth and living standards but also ensures effective governance and management.

This innovative approach is gradually scripting a development story that places ecological priorities at the forefront, ensuring sustainable harmony between human societies and nature, while ushering in balanced economic and social progress.

The island district is steadily advancing on a carefully designed path that focuses on ecological superiority, green growth, and harmonizing human-nature interactions while making strides in both economic and social arenas.

Aligned with this vision, Li Jun, Chongming’s director, in a keynote session, highlighted, “Utilizing our ecological wealth as a foundation, we are rapidly accelerating the formation of innovative productivity in-line with the unique local conditions. We are transforming ecological advantages into development strengths and are steadfast in promoting green technology innovation that will act as a pillar for constructing ecological civilization as well as economic and social advancement.”

Luo Dajin, leading the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai, added insights, “Through this forum, a concerted effort is being made to investigate the cultivation strategies for unique ecological industries within Chongming Ecological Island. By mobilizing intellectual inputs from experts and scholars both domestically and globally, we are strategically planning Chongming’s future trajectory.”

Harunur Rashid, a Canadian professor affiliated with Shanghai Ocean University, shared his impressions, “This visit to Chongming offered me a firsthand view of its ecological progress. I am particularly impressed by the district’s promising potential as we focus on creating a legacy for the future generations, for children, and their children. Chongming is certainly on the right path.”

Highlighting Chongming’s maritime economic accomplishments, Professor Li Qun from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences remarked, “It’s evident that substantial achievements have been recorded, particularly in sectors such as fishery photovoltaic power generation and maritime equipment in Chongming. These advancements indicate a well-driven ecological and economic synergy.”

As stakeholders and experts continue to deliberate at the forum, the blend of traditional ecological constructs supported by modern technology continues to paint a promising picture for environments like Chongming—a testament to the potential of harmonized development models for islands worldwide.

The insights gathered at this forum will likely accelerate Chongming’s role as a beacon of integrated ecological, industrial, and human-focused development, nurturing an environment where nature and human civilization thrive side by side. As the dialogues unfold, so does the commitment to fostering an ecologically sound future driven by knowledge, innovation, and collaborative efforts.