Green partnership builds up ironclad brotherhood

Every phase of development comes at a cost, and the current wave of rapid industrialization, infrastructure expansion, better facilities and improved living standards is no exception. In today's world, the ecosystem is bearing the consequences of this progress, making environmental protection an urgent global priority.

Different forms of pollution, ozone layer depletion, climate change and the rapid depletion of natural resources are some of the challenges the whole world is facing today. These issues cannot be tackled by one country alone. In this context, the concept of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization offers a valuable framework for building a sustainable future. It calls for harmony between humans and nature, green development and international cooperation to cope with the growing environmental issues. For countries like China and Pakistan, this vision presents new opportunities for ecological partnership.

China and Pakistan enjoy a time-tested friendship and are often described as "all-weather strategic partners". This decades-long friendship is not limited to traditional domains such as trade or infrastructure, but also extends to cooperation in environmental protection. Pollution, climate change and water scarcity are some of the pressing environmental challenges that both countries face. Working together under the guidance of eco-civilization principles can therefore yield lasting benefits.

The thought highlights that economic growth should not come at the cost of environmental damage and that development should be green, sustainable and inclusive. China has taken significant steps to save the environment and reverse the damage caused to the ecosystem. It has made notable progress by advancing renewable energy, electric vehicles, reforestation and pollution control measures. For Pakistan, which is among the countries most vulnerable to environmental challenges, China's experience offers a constructive model to learn from.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative widely known for its role in infrastructure development, is an example of the ecological cooperation between the two countries. Many energy projects under the CPEC focus on clean and renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. These projects not only contribute to the protection of the environment but also help Pakistan reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur stands out as one of the largest solar energy projects in the region. Developed with Chinese support, it is a key energy project under the CPEC. China played a crucial role in its development, acting as the primary engineering, procurement and construction partner. Through QASP, China promoted clean energy in Pakistan. At the same time, wind energy projects in Sindh are generating electricity without harming the environment.

Other projects, including the Karot Hydropower Station, the Dawood Wind Power Project and the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station, further illustrate how economic development can be effectively aligned with environmental protection. These initiatives reflect the core principles of eco-civilization that integrate growth and sustainability.

Both countries are also collaborating on afforestation and biodiversity conservation. Pakistan's Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project is a notable example of this cooperation. The project aims to restore forests and combat climate change. To support the initiative, China provided 7,000 saplings to Pakistan in December 2021. In addition, the "CPEC Green Corridor" initiative has been incorporated into the project, with China providing technical expertise to enhance its effectiveness.

Water management is another pressing issue for Pakistan. Many areas in the country do not have access to water even for basic everyday tasks, let alone safe drinking water. Rapid population growth and changing climate patterns have worsened the problem, turning water scarcity into a serious concern. China has built efficient irrigation systems and is experienced in water management, so Pakistan can address this challenge by following in the footsteps of its long-time friend. Collaboration in this field will not only improve the water management system in Pakistan, but also help improve agricultural productivity while conserving water.

Education, public awareness and the role of media are crucial for promoting eco-civilization. Through joint research programs, academic exchanges, scholarly insights and media collaboration, both countries can raise awareness about ecological protection. Similarly, the role of universities, think tanks and media houses is noteworthy in this regard.

Green technology is another area with great potential for cooperation. China has made remarkable advances in electric vehicles, energy storage and green construction. Pakistan also has electric vehicles, but like China it should also adopt green technology in urban planning and industries. By doing so, it will not only benefit from China's innovations and reduce pollution but also create new economic opportunities.

Although governments are making efforts to protect the environment, they alone cannot reverse the impacts of environmental degradation. Businesses, communities and individuals must also contribute to ecological sustainability. They can do so by encouraging green investments, promoting eco-friendly practices, and supporting environmental initiatives. This can make a huge difference. People-to-people exchanges between China and Pakistan can further strengthen this shared commitment.

Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization is a road map to sustainable development. It emphasizes that protecting the environment is necessary for the long-term prosperity of any country. For China and Pakistan, this vision lays a strong foundation for deeper ecological cooperation. With the growing geopolitical tensions in the world, the two sides' partnership in environmental protection will be a positive example of international cooperation.

The author is the executive director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Islamabad.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.