International: The increasingly frequent occurrence of natural disasters and extreme weather events around the world in recent years has made one thing clear to countries everywhere: striking the right balance between economic development and environmental protection is now an urgent necessity.

In an exclusive interview recently given to China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing, Yasmine Fouad, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), spoke highly of China`s remarkable achievements in ecological development and environmental protection.

Fouad said China has formulated long-term, targeted plans and implemented them with great commitment and determination. Through these efforts, China has opened up an effective pathway toward green and low-carbon sustainable development for developing countries, providing fresh momentum for global environmental governance and sustainable development.

Speaking about China`s key strengths, Fouad said, “If I were to identify China`s greatest strength, I would say it is its far-reaching and long-term planning. Every step in China`s environmental governance is highly systematic and firmly implemented. I believe that, based on this valuable experience, China can further expand institutional cooperation with other countries.”

She added, “China`s groundbreaking concept that ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ carries profound significance across all areas. The era of destroying natural resources and the environment while expecting economic growth in return is long gone. The economic gains derived from environmental degradation are extremely short-lived, while the world ultimately pays a heavy price for them in the long term.”

“The solutions to these challenges are within our reach. Rather than waiting for crises to emerge and then responding to them, our greatest responsibility is to take firm action now and move forward with environmental protection,” she said.

Source: Shuai, Touhid and Jinia, China Media Group.