This year marks the 20th anniversary of the concept “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets.” On July 31, the seminar on the Global Significance of the Concept “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets” was held in Beijing. Chinese and international participants conducted in-depth discussions on the contemporary value, significant contributions, vivid practices, and global relevance of the concept.

The President of the BRI International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC), Zhao Yingmin, attended the seminar and delivered a speech. He noted that the world is currently undergoing unprecedented changes in terms of global dynamics, times, and history, but development remains the main theme worldwide. It is the foundation and key to resolving all contradictions, difficulties, and challenges. In the face of global environmental crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, achieving higher-quality, more sustainable, and more equitable development has become a common concern for people across nations.

Zhao emphasized that different countries have different national conditions and are at different stages of development, with varying capacities to balance growth and environmental protection. To jointly promote global ecological civilization, the international community must uphold the vision of a shared future for humanity, adhere to multilateralism, deepen global consensus, action, and cooperation, and jointly explore a development path that aligns with environmental protection. Together, we must safeguard our one and only planet.

“The concept vividly explains that environmental protection is not a constraint on development but the cornerstone of sustainable development. It has received high praise and recognition from international organizations such as UNEP, the Global Environment Facility, and the World Bank. China’s experience provides a valuable example for global sustainable development. Practice has shown that environmental protection and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive. When ecosystems are protected and restored, they become key engines of resilience and opportunity for sustainable development,” said Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator in China.

Several international delegates pointed out that the concept of “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” belongs not only to China but to the world. This concept offers Chinese wisdom and solutions for addressing global environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. Participants unanimously expressed hope that the international community will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation, work together to promote environmentally friendly modernization, and build a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world.

“China’s environmental governance is not a product of overnight success. Through persistent efforts, the principles of ecological prioritization, green development, and high-quality growth have been integrated not only into national development strategies but also deeply embedded in the DNA of Chinese modernization. Ecological civilization is no longer just a vision—it is becoming a reality,” said Patrick Nijs, former Belgian Ambassador to China. “Economic development and environmental protection are not in opposition but are interwoven destinies. We must collectively uphold the vision of ecological civilization and regard nature not as an exploitable resource, but as a cherished, eternal partner of humanity.”

“China is becoming a leader in driving a global transition toward ecological civilization,” said Andrew Schwartz, Executive Vice President of the Institute for Ecological Civilization in the U.S. “China has integrated the concept of ‘Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ into all aspects of its ecological civilization efforts, offering a compelling alternative model for development. This leadership is timely, visionary, and inspiring.”

Participants in the meeting included delegates from UN agencies, relevant embassies in China, international NGOs, as well as domestic and international universities, think tanks, and research institutions. Countries represented included the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Jordan.