Kenya: Belt and Road Initiative – a Sustainable Pathway for New Era Development
The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya is home to unique sights, where animals such as giraffes easily cross the railroad bridges through specially designed passages. Similarly, solar farms in Pakistan’s Punjab province cultivate plants and fruits beneath the solar panels. These real-life scenarios not only demonstrate the tangible outcomes of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but also exemplify how the BRI is actively transforming the vision of green development into reality through concrete actions.
For thousands of years, Chinese civilization has upheld the belief in seeking harmony with nature. In the present era, China remains committed to the principle that preserving the environment is crucial for prosperous civilization. China places great value on the preservation of lucid waters and lush mountains, pursuing modernization that entails harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Through persistent efforts, China has made incredible progress in environmental protection and green development initiatives.
While pushing for green development domestically, China has also endeavored to contribute its ideas and experiences to the Belt and Road cooperation. In 2019, during the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China emphasized the importance of green initiatives within the BRI. Green infrastructure, green investment, and green financing were highlighted as key areas of focus to safeguard our shared planet. This commitment to building a green Silk Road showcases China’s leadership in global eco-environmental governance and brings Chinese wisdom to the collective effort of creating a clean and beautiful world.
China’s dedication to a green Silk Road extends beyond mere rhetoric. Concrete actions have been taken to bring this vision to life. For instance, in Senegal, China actively participates in a waste water treatment project in Dakar, improving water quality in surrounding areas and rehabilitating beach environments. This project benefits hundreds of thousands of residents in the bay area. In Ghana, China’s assistance has led to the completion of the Sunon Asogli Power Plant, which contributes 25 percent of Ghana’s electricity demand and alleviates power shortages with clean energy sources. Furthermore, Chinese enterprises have played a pivotal role in Kazakhstan’s green and low-carbon development through projects like the Zhanatas Wind Power Station and the Turgusun hydropower station.
As the largest market and equipment manufacturer for clean energy, China has embarked on numerous green energy collaborations with over 100 countries and regions. Chinese investment in green and low-carbon energy surpasses that in traditional energy in Belt and Road partner countries. This focus on green development has promoted a better balance between socioeconomic progress and environmental protection. It has also brought forth new opportunities for green development in participating countries and regions, ultimately benefiting local communities.
In light of the escalating environmental challenges faced by the world, the importance of green development has gained widespread recognition. China has signed over 50 cooperation agreements on eco-environmental protection with relevant parties and, in partnership with 31 countries, launched the Initiative for Belt and Road Partnership on Green Development. Additionally, the Belt and Road Initiative Energy Partnership has been established with 32 countries. The Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition consists of over 100 partner institutions, and China’s Green Silk Road Envoys Programme has provided training to more than 3,000 green development professionals from over 120 partner countries. These concerted efforts over the past decade have fostered a stronger consensus among BRI participants regarding the importance of green development. China has thus established closer partnerships with partner countries on green development, with the aim of creating a community that cherishes the coexistence between humanity and nature.
Looking ahead, guided by the vision of green development and supported by various cooperation platforms, the collective endeavor to build a green Silk Road will undoubtedly bring about more benefits for people worldwide. It will also facilitate the establishment of a harmonious community of life between humanity and nature.
