On January 15, 2025, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) China Office visited the Interim Secretariat of the International Mangrove Center (IMC) and held a discussion. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on future cooperation in the field of mangrove conservation and preliminarily identified collaborative directions. Attendees included Jiang Yong, Senior Advisor of WWF; Ren Wenwei, Head of the Shanghai Region (Freshwater); Wen Xianji, Senior Director of the Mai Po Nature Reserve and Flyway; Prof. Bao Daming, Director General of the IMC Interim Secretariat and Vice President and Secretary-General of the Wetland Conservation Association of China; as well as all staff of the Interim Secretariat.
Director General Bao Daming first extended a warm welcome to the WWF delegation and introduced the development and recent work of the IMC. He emphasized that the IMC is committed to promoting global mangrove conservation, restoration, and sustainable use through international cooperation, while also raising public awareness of the importance of protecting this ecosystem.
Director Jiang Yong and Dr. Ren Wenwei respectively introduced WWF’s key projects in China and globally, as well as their experience in ecological conservation and environmental governance. Director Jiang elaborated on WWF’s achievements in forest, ocean, and climate energy projects, particularly highlighting win-win models in financing and investment returns that bring economic benefits to ecological conservation and promote sustainable development. Dr. Wen Xianji shared conservation experiences from the Hong Kong Mai Po Nature Reserve, focusing on the critical role of education and training in enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Finally, the two sides conducted preliminary discussions on how to advance mangrove conservation projects globally. They also explored ways to increase public awareness of mangrove conservation through joint advocacy and educational activities, and to promote broader global recognition and support for mangrove protection via international convention platforms.