China Daily:

Serving as an ecological security shield in southwest China, Yunnan has made many efforts in recent years with ecological conservation. I have noticed that Yunnan proposed to launch pilot zones as part of the Beautiful China Initiative. What specific measures will you take to achieve this goal? Thank you.

Wang Yubo:

Thank you. I will answer this question. Good ecology is a precious treasure for Yunnan and the country, which should be protected from generation to generation. To protect good ecology is to improve Yunnan people's well-being, sustain the momentum of high-quality development and construct an ecological security shield for promoting the Beautiful China initiative. We take ecological conservation work as a litmus test of the government's stance, quality of work, capacity and determination. We must protect the ecology as we protect our eyes, and treasure it as we treasure our lives. We will spare no efforts to protect each mountain, forest, lake, river and fertile field in Yunnan, so as to become the pacesetter of China's ecological conservation.

Let's start with the air in Yunnan. Blue skies, white clouds and fresh air are typical of Yunnan. I believe that those of you who have been to Yunnan have deep impressions about this. The percentage of days with air quality rated "excellent" and "good" in the province has been stable at around 98%. One-third of its counties (cities, districts) have been awarded of "China's Natural Oxygen Bar," ranking first across China in number. We will take further actions to continuously improve air quality, strengthen source management and coordinate the control of multiple pollutants, so that we can experience more clear blue skies in Yunnan.

Next is the water in Yunnan. Situated in the upstream of major rivers like the Yangtze River, Pearl River and Lancang River, Yunnan scores a remarkable 100% with all its outbound rivers rated "excellent" and "good" for water quality. Living up to its promise as a "source of clear water," Yunnan contributes over 100 billion cubic meters of high-quality water annually to the Yangtze and Pearl rivers. Renowned both domestically and internationally, Yunnan's picturesque lakes, including Dianchi Lake, Erhai Lake and Fuxian Lake, feature clear water, lush shores and beautiful scenery. These lakes are transforming into grand ecological havens, vast wetlands and scenic wonders. With a holistic approach to manage water resources, water ecology and water environment, we will precisely address wastewater, garbage and agricultural nonpoint source pollution. We are following the basic requirement that water quality must improve and not worsen, so that we can make the rivers and lakes in Yunnan cleaner and more full of life.

Next, I'd like to speak about Yunnan's mountains. Yunnan boasts stunning mountains that cover 94% of its land. Each peak has its own story to tell. The towering Meili Snow Mountains pierce the clouds, while the Gaoligong Mountains are rich in biodiversity. The Wumeng Mountains overwhelm with their grandeur, and the Ailao Mountains hold a mysterious beauty. These mountains are more than just scenic landscapes; they are invaluable assets. We will comprehensively strengthen the systematic protection of ecosystems, natural relics, natural landscapes and biodiversity, carry out the "Green Yunnan" campaign, and effectively prevent forest fires and ecological damage, so that we can make Yunnan's mountains greener and lusher.

Finally, I'd like to speak about Yunnan's soil resources. There are 16 types of soil in Yunnan, accounting for one-quarter of those found in the country. The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces in Yuanyang county are "carved" into the earth, while the red soil of Dongchuan is praised as a "palette." We will expand the scope of our efforts to improve soil quality, comprehensively strengthen the prevention and control of soil pollution at the source, implement strict measures to protect arable land, and maintain soil fertility in Yunnan. By doing so, we are safeguarding food security as well as people's abilities to eat well and without worry.

Thank you.