Cupertino — Young people from China and the United States gathered in the heart of Silicon Valley on July 14 for a cross-Pacific dialogue on bird conservation, using art, technology and community projects to promote environmental awareness and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

The event featured the awards ceremony for the U.S. division of "Eagle City," the Second China-U.S. Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest, a competition that encourages young people to develop creative solutions to protect birds and improve urban ecosystems.

Chen Can, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, presents an "Eagle City" themed paper-cut artwork. (Photo/Organizer)

The event was organized by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation and the Management Committee of the SDGs Public Education and Participation Partnership Action, with Cedar Nature Association and the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance serving as the U.S. educational and outreach partners.

During the ceremony, Chen Can, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, presented Cupertino Mayor Kitty Moore with an "Eagle City"- themed Chinese paper-cut artwork, symbolizing the growing friendship between Chongqing and Silicon Valley through a shared commitment to protecting migratory birds.

Since the contest was launched in November 2025, it has attracted broad participation from American youth. According to Joyce Zhang, founder and president of Cedar Nature Association, organizers received 510 submissions from across the United States, including artwork, essays, short videos and environmental installations. Many projects focused on local issues such as wetland conservation, bird collisions and urban wildlife habitats.

At the ceremony, students received awards for projects ranging from bird-safe window designs to wetland restoration proposals, highlighting the role young people can play in protecting biodiversity.

"Birds play a vital role in ecosystems by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds and helping control pests," participant Amaya Ahuja said. "Without them, many farms and natural environments could not survive." She called on more people to help protect birds and their habitats.

Competition judge and bird conservation expert Shani Kleinhaus said the submissions demonstrated both creativity and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

"From children as young as 7 to high school students, participants are thinking seriously about how to improve the environment," she said. "Every project gives me hope for the future. A bird-friendly city is ultimately a healthier and more livable community for everyone."

The event also connected youth from both countries through an online exchange, during which winners from the China division shared conservation projects developed in Chongqing. Their presentations included an artificial intelligence-powered bird-observation mini-program, the construction of floating habitats for migratory birds using recycled materials, volunteer efforts following the Jinyun Mountain wildfire, and a community project mapping red-billed gull habitats to support conservation planning and the development of accessible birdwatching facilities.

Chinese youth share their experiences during the Second China-U.S. Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest. (Photo/Organizer)

Moore praised the contest for demonstrating how creativity can inspire public engagement.

"These young people have accomplished through art what policy alone often cannot," she said. "A birdhouse design, a wetland restoration concept or an environmental story all demonstrate leadership."

She added that the "Eagle City" initiative had already had a positive influence on Cupertino.

"The bird conservation message promoted by 'Eagle City' has truly made a difference in Cupertino," Moore said. "It is inspiring to see the Silicon Valley community and Chongqing build an ecological partnership to help protect migratory birds."

During the event, Rene Fong, representing the Office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, presented the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation with a certificate recognizing its efforts to promote ecological exchanges between Chinese and American youth. Chinese participants who joined the exchange also received certificates recognizing their contributions to bird-friendly city initiatives.

The foundation also presented the Cedar Nature Association with a Bird-Friendly Organization flag and gifted "Eagle City" paper-cut artworks to Moore, Cupertino Vice Mayor Liang-Fang "Liang" Chao, and Fong as symbols of friendship and environmental cooperation.

Chao said bird conservation remains an area where China and the United States can continue to cooperate despite differences, describing the contest as a meaningful platform for international exchange.

Joyce Zhang, founder and president of the Cedar Nature Society, introduces the competition. (Photo/Organizer)

Joyce Zhang said a visit to Chongqing in April, including Liangping's wetlands and ecologically restored rural communities, helped her better understand China's conservation efforts. She said those experiences have enabled American communities to connect with the "Eagle City" initiative through shared interests in bird-friendly cities, wetland protection and environmental education.

Inspired by Chongqing's experience, young people in Silicon Valley are now using art, design and technology to promote bird conservation, demonstrating how environmental cooperation can build bridges across borders.