Chongqing - On March 14th, the 2025 Sino-U.S. Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest, hosted by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, was officially launched at Chongqing BI Academy. The contest aims to foster a platform for youth exchange between China and the U.S., focusing on urban biodiversity protection and promoting the construction of bird-friendly cities.

2025 Sino-U.S. Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest was launched at Chongqing BI Academy (Photo/Chongqing BI Academy)

Chongqing, a megacity uniquely situated along a major raptor migration route, attracts hundreds of thousands of birds of prey annually, creating the awe-inspiring spectacle of the "Eagle Flying City." At the launch ceremony, a captivating public service video showcased Chongqing's ecological beauty, urging attendees to support harmonious coexistence between urban development and biodiversity.

The contest has received enthusiastic responses from schools in both China and the United States. In their speeches, Liao Wei, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Committee of BI Academy Education Group, and the Principal of Irvine High School, California, emphasized their hope that the competition would inspire youth interest in bird conservation and urban ecology while enhancing Sino-U.S. ecological collaboration.

The students from Chongqing BI Academy are looking forward to participating in the contest (Photo/Chongqing BI Academy)

Distinguished guests, including Chen Can, Deputy Secretary General of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, Wei Qian, Vice President of Chongqing Wildlife Conservation Association, and Dr. Francis Stonier, Professor at Southwest University, delivered insightful speeches discussing Chongqing's ecological environment, bird conservation efforts, and the contest's framework.

Eight schools, including Chongqing Bashu Middle School, Chongqing No.8 Middle School, Chongqing No.1 Middle School, Chongqing Nankai Middle School, and Chongqing Yucai Middle School, were recognized as the first "Bird-Friendly Schools." These institutions and organizations, such as Optimistic Earth, will advance various competition activities alongside the foundation.

Dr Francis Stonier from Southwest University was sharing his expectations for the students (Photo/Chongqing BI Academy)

A student representative, Luo Jinsheng, expressed excitement about engaging with American peers to contribute to bird protection and urban ecological development through this contest. He highlighted plans to use creative mediums like short videos and installations to spread ecological awareness.

The contest, running until the end of April, invites entries in text, video, and art installation categories. Winners receive certificates from the UN SDGs Collaboration Committee. Selected works will tour China and the U.S. in May, deepening cross-cultural youth friendships and ecological cooperation. This contest represents a significant step forward in the Sino-U.S. youth ecological exchange, united in the vision of a bird-friendly future.