On May 30, Stanford University hosted a crucial U.S.-China dialogue on ecosystem valuation, highlighting advancements and collaboration in sustainability. Chinese and U.S. experts discussed integrating ecosystem benefits into policies, following the Sunnylands Agreement, with a focus on global impact and cooperation.
goodnewsfromstudent.com – On May 30, Stanford University became a pivotal venue for a transformative discussion on global ecological policy as the Natural Capital Project (NatCap) hosted a high-level U.S.-China dialogue. The event, titled “Implementing the Sunnylands Agreement, Advancing Ecological Product Value Realization,” underscored the critical role of international collaboration in advancing sustainable development and ecosystem valuation.
The dialogue gathered top policymakers and experts from China, including Chenxin Zhao, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Professor Zhiyun Ouyang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their discussions highlighted China’s significant advancements in quantifying and integrating ecosystem benefits into national policies, notably through the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) framework.
Stanford’s Gretchen Daily, Faculty Director of NatCap, emphasized the importance of such cooperation, citing recent calls for renewed U.S.-China science partnerships. Daily noted, “The need for cooperation has never been greater,” reflecting the urgency of addressing global climate and environmental challenges.
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The dialogue also spotlighted the recent U.S. policy shifts, including new guidance from the Office of Management and Budget mandating the consideration of ecosystem services in federal project analyses. This move aligns with the broader goal of harmonizing economic development with environmental stewardship.
Stanford University President Richard Saller, Steven Chu, and other prominent figures welcomed the Chinese delegation, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. The event built on the commitments made in the November 2023 Sunnylands Statement, where U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and Chinese Special Envoy Xie Zhenhua pledged enhanced climate cooperation.
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Daily praised China’s efforts towards an “ecological civilization” and expressed pride in the ongoing collaboration. “We recognize China as a world leader in this crucial frontier for harmonizing people and nature,” she said, highlighting the global significance of the partnership.
Organized in collaboration with the China Association of Circular Economy and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, the dialogue represents a key step in shaping a unified approach to global environmental challenges. This event reinforces the shared commitment of the U.S. and China to advancing sustainable practices and highlights the potential for international cooperation to drive meaningful progress on a global scale.
Source: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/06/high-level-u-s-china-dialogue-on-nature-hosted-at-stanford
