On January 16, 2025, a delegation from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) visited the International Mangrove Center (IMC). The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the potential for future cooperation and the development direction of ecological conservation projects. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ma Chaode, Assistant Resident Representative of the UNDP China Office; Shi Tian, Deputy Director of the Wetland Division at the Academy of Forestry Inventory and Planning of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration; Professor-level Senior Engineer Yuan Jun; Professor Yu Xiubo from the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Bao Daming, Director General of the IMC Interim Secretariat; and all staff members of the Interim Secretariat.
Collaborative discussion between the UNDP and the IMC
Director General Bao Daming extended a warm welcome to Dr. Ma Chaode and his delegation, and provided an overview of the development and progress of the IMC. He stated that the IMC would draw on the valuable experience of international organizations to improve its internal institutional development and formulate long-term strategic plans, with the aim of promoting the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of mangroves worldwide.
Dr. Ma Chaode expressed his sincere congratulations on the development of the IMC and voiced strong support for collaboration between the two parties. He shared UNDP’s successful experience in institutional building and project implementation and suggested that the two sides engage in multifaceted cooperation in areas such as mangrove conservation and the protection of bird migration corridors, leveraging international platforms to expand their influence. He emphasized that UNDP is willing to deepen cooperation with the IMC in areas such as fundraising, strategic planning, and promotional activities.
Deputy Director Shi Tian and Professor-level Senior Engineer Yuan Jun expressed their commitment to actively participate in projects related to mangrove conservation and restoration. They also offered support for cultivating young talent at the IMC and assisting in the design and implementation of projects under the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Finally, the two sides reached preliminary consensus on jointly applying for GEF global mangrove conservation projects, nurturing young professionals, engaging private sector participation, and promoting awareness campaigns. Moving forward, the IMC and UNDP will work together to develop a strategic cooperation framework, deepen multilateral collaboration, advance global mangrove conservation, restoration, and sustainable use, and explore win-win models that integrate mangrove protection with community development.