Core Viewpoint - Zhengzhou Forest Park has transformed from a barren landscape into a vibrant urban oasis, enhancing the city's ecological environment and becoming a popular recreational destination for residents [3][4][7]. Group 1: Transformation and Development - The area where Zhengzhou Forest Park is located has undergone significant changes from a sandy wasteland to a green space, thanks to tree planting initiatives since the establishment of the People's Republic of China [4][5]. - The park covers nearly 4,000 acres and features over 80 species of trees, contributing to the city's green infrastructure [4][10]. - The park's design includes various zones such as a main entrance display area, forest exploration areas, and family-friendly zones, catering to diverse visitor experiences [8][10]. Group 2: Ecological Significance - Zhengzhou Forest Park serves as the "lungs" of the city, providing fresh air and a habitat for numerous species, including over a hundred bird species and various fish in the lake [12][16]. - The park features a rich diversity of plant species, including more than 30 flowering trees and 23 types of foliage trees, enhancing its ecological value [12][14]. Group 3: Cultural and Recreational Impact - The park has become a top leisure destination for residents, recognized as a provincial-level civilized unit and one of Zhengzhou's top ten landmark spots [8][10]. - The integration of natural landscapes with urban development has created a unique environment where residents can enjoy both the vibrancy of city life and the tranquility of nature [16].

Core Points - The ecological environment in Beijing has significantly improved, leading to an increase in the population of terrestrial wildlife, with a total of 620 species recorded as of 2025, an increase of 8 species from 2024 [1] - The South Sea Elk Garden has successfully "exported" 668 elk nationwide, establishing 47 elk translocation populations across the country, indicating a positive trend for "national treasure" species like the elk, black stork, and brown-eared pheasant [5] - The discovery of the Acer leaf clematis in Fengtai District marks the first finding of this nationally protected wild plant in the six urban districts of Beijing, showcasing the city's rich biodiversity [8] Environmental Initiatives - The implementation of large-scale afforestation projects has created favorable conditions for various wild plants, allowing wildlife to thrive closer to urban areas [9] - The biodiversity development white paper for the Beijing Wenyu River Park reveals that the number of recorded species has increased from approximately 600 to 880 between 2021 and 2024, highlighting the park's successful ecological restoration efforts [11][14] - Beijing's forest coverage has reached 44.95%, with over 91% of the population living within a 500-meter radius of green spaces, enhancing urban biodiversity [16] Natural Habitat Development - A total of 558 natural habitats have been established in urban parks and green areas, promoting biodiversity and providing habitats for various wildlife, with a 30% increase in native plant coverage and an 85% restoration rate of wetland ecological chains [17][20] - The city has developed a map of these natural habitats, reflecting biodiversity hotspots around urban living areas, contributing to the overall ecological network [20] Economic and Cultural Impact - The improvement in biodiversity has spurred the development of green industries such as nature education, eco-tourism, and birdwatching, translating ecological benefits into tangible social welfare [22] - Seasonal cultural events and activities have been organized to promote the city's ecological value, enhancing public engagement with biodiversity [22]

Group 1 - The 2024 Shanghai Ecological Environment Status Bulletin indicates that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 in Shanghai remained stable at 28 micrograms per cubic meter, meeting the national secondary air quality standard, unchanged from 2023 [1] - The annual average concentrations of PM10 and nitrogen dioxide are projected to decrease by 10.4% and 3.2% respectively compared to 2023, while sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide levels remain unchanged [1] - The most significant improvement is observed in ozone levels, with the 90th percentile of the daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentration recorded at 144 micrograms per cubic meter, the lowest value in five years [1] Group 2 - In 2024, Shanghai experienced 323 days of good air quality, achieving an 88.5% good rate, which is an increase of three days compared to 2023, with no severe pollution days recorded throughout the year [1] - The quality of surface water in Shanghai continues to improve, with 99.3% of monitored river and lake sections classified as Class II to III, and Class V sections have been absent for three consecutive years [2] - The average concentration of total phosphorus in major river and lake sections decreased by 2.3% to 0.128 milligrams per liter, and the average permanganate index fell by 2.8% to 3.5 milligrams per liter compared to 2023 [2] Group 3 - Shanghai has completed a comprehensive investigation of biodiversity, involving over 4,000 participants from various sectors, with approximately 80% of field surveys completed, and the discovery of one new species and 149 new recorded species [2]

Core Viewpoint - The increasing popularity of birdwatching and photography in urban areas like Beijing reflects the improvement of ecological conditions and biodiversity, with a notable rise in the number of bird species observed [1][4]. Group 1: Birdwatching and Urban Ecology - Birdwatching, referred to as "打鸟" in photography terminology, has gained traction among urban residents, with Beijing now home to 527 species of wild birds, making it one of the most biodiverse metropolitan areas [1]. - The rise in birdwatching indicates a positive trend in ecological health, as rare bird species are increasingly spotted in major cities, suggesting that urban environments are becoming more hospitable for wildlife [1][4]. Group 2: Ecological Importance of Birds - Birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and are considered indicators of environmental quality, serving as a "litmus test" for biodiversity monitoring [2]. - Protecting bird species and their habitats is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature [2]. Group 3: Environmental Improvements - Significant advancements in environmental quality have been made in recent years, with the PM2.5 average concentration in cities reaching 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, marking five consecutive years of compliance with standards [3]. - The proportion of water quality monitoring sites with good water quality reached 90.4% in 2024, and forest coverage in China has surpassed 25%, making it a leader in global forest resource growth [3]. Group 4: Conservation Efforts and Future Challenges - The presence of rare bird species, such as the Oriental White Stork and the Black-faced Spoonbill, highlights the success of conservation efforts and the creation of suitable habitats [4]. - Continuous efforts in pollution prevention, carbon reduction, and ecosystem restoration are necessary to maintain and enhance ecological quality, ensuring that bird populations thrive and meet the growing interest in birdwatching [4].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of birdwatching in China indicates significant improvements in the ecological environment, with rare bird species increasingly appearing even in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai [1][4]. Group 1: Ecological Improvements - The number of wild bird species in Beijing has reached 527, making it one of the most diverse metropolitan areas for bird species [1]. - The average PM2.5 concentration in major cities is projected to be 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, maintaining compliance for five consecutive years [3]. - The proportion of good water quality monitoring points across the country is expected to exceed 90% for the first time in 2024 [3]. - China's forest coverage rate has surpassed 25%, making it the country with the fastest growth in forest resources globally [3]. Group 2: Bird Species and Conservation - The Eastern White Stork, known as a "national treasure" of birds, has been observed returning to Beijing's wetland for 13 consecutive years [4]. - The number of wintering waterbirds in China reached a record high in 2024, with key protected wildlife populations showing a stable upward trend [4]. - The establishment of national parks and various nature reserves has effectively protected 90% of terrestrial ecosystem types and 74% of key protected wildlife species [3]. Group 3: Ongoing Efforts and Future Goals - Continuous efforts in pollution prevention and ecological restoration are essential for maintaining and improving environmental quality [4]. - The need for coordinated actions in carbon reduction, greening, and sustainable growth is emphasized to meet the demands of high-quality development in the new era [4].