Residents visit a wetland ecological restoration project in Dameisha, Yantian District. Courtesy of the event’s organizer

A guide titled “Zero-carbon Life Guidance,” compiled by Meisha Subdistrict and Vanke Foundation in Yantian District, was unveiled at a ceremony marking National Ecology Day yesterday, calling on residents, visitors and organizations in the Dameisha area to advocate, practice and promote zero waste while enjoying the natural splendor of the mountains and coastal landscapes of this popular tourist destination.

Drawing inspiration from Dameisha Community’s zero-waste practices, the guide outlines six scenarios like office spaces, schools, scenic spots, hotels, residential compounds and wet markets to implement zero-waste practices and cultivate a low-carbon lifestyle in the area.

“The guide marks a pivotal step towards establishing a pioneering community dedicated to sustainable development and carbon neutrality. This will turn our green development vision into action, through the joint efforts of Vanke Foundation and local residents,” Xie Dong, director of Vanke Foundation, said at the ceremony.

Yantian is renowned for its pristine ecological environment.

In 2022, Dameisha Community stood out as a typical example of China’s efforts in ecological conservation at the 27th Conference of the Parties of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt.

Jiang Wenqing, director of the Yantian District Ecology and Environment Bureau, said the district is pushing forward environment-oriented development (EOD) in the Xiaomeisha area. This model has passed appraisal of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and is the only project from Shenzhen that has been included in the national ecological and environmental financial support project repository.

The EOD model in Xiaomeisha integrates development in ecological conservation and tourism development, encompassing efforts such as restoring the Xiaomeisha River estuary, and combatting sea area pollution while advancing property development projects. In Yantian District, part of the revenue from the cultural and tourism sector is used in environmental initiatives.

A research report on Meisha Carbon Neutrality Community’s biodiversity, which was released in May, showed that the area is home to 108 bird species, including 14 State-protected Category II species. It is also home to mammals such as the State-protected Category I small Indian civet and the Category II leopard cat.