Chongqing - On April 20, the "Eagle City" Sino-US Youth Bird Friendly Schools Online Exchange conference was held in Eling Park, Yuzhong District, Chongqing. Fifteen students from various schools in Chongqing participated in outdoor bird-watching activities.
On April 20, fifteen students from various schools in Chongqing participated in an outdoor bird-watching activity. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
Hosted by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, the event aimed to create a platform for exchange between Chinese and American youth, promote young people's shared concern for urban biodiversity protection, and contribute to the construction of a bird-friendly city.
The conference began with expert presentations from American speakers, including Steve Kaye (a U.S. doctoral engineer), Jera Palian (founder of the Irvine Audubon Society), Monte Taylor (a professional bird photographer), and Lin Haiyan, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Forestry Research Institute’s Wildlife Division. They shared insights into bird behavior, conservation cases, and research on local bird species in Chongqing.
During the conference, Chinese and American students discussed topics such as "anti-collision technology for birds" and "urban planning coexisting with bird habitats". American students suggested solutions, including applying reflective decals on windows and adjusting building lighting at night to protect migratory birds.
Jin Tianhao, a student from Chongqing No. 8 Secondary School, said he was inspired by Steve Kaye's talk and hoped to raise public awareness through bird photography, helping people recognize Chongqing's ecological value as an "Eagle City."
Following the exchange, Chinese students participated in an eco-art workshop led by Tang Zimu, founder of the ENPSON Arts Center, where they created bird-friendly city models using natural and recycled materials.
Chinese students participated in an eco-art workshop led by Tang Zimu, founder of the ENPSON Arts Center, where they created bird-friendly city models using natural and recycled materials. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
Hu Hanwen, president of the Bird Lovers Club at Chongqing Foreign Language School, created a piece featuring the endangered Mergus squamatus to raise public awareness about the protection of rare species.
Chen Can, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, emphasized, "Youth are a driving force for sustainable ecological development. Cross-cultural collaboration inspires innovation and brings new energy to global biodiversity conservation."
Since the launch of the initiative, Chinese and American youth have participated in several rounds of online exchange to co-develop their ecological innovation proposals.
(Wang shuyun, as an intern, also contributed to the report)