On Sept 4, a delegation of global reporters visited the Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve, the world's only international wetland located in the heart of a megacity, to witness Shenzhen's harmony between urban growth and nature.

The reporters were guests of the Asia-Pacific Media Forum, which kicked off on Sept 5 with the aim of building media consensus and collective action toward a shared, prosperous Asia-Pacific community.

"Futian's mangrove reserve is lush and rich in species, and its proximity to the city center allows people to clearly see the importance of mangroves, showcasing a vision of harmonious coexistence between human and nature," said Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination of Pakistan.

"I have witnessed innovation, buildings, and opportunities for the people. All development here is people-centered," she added.

Later, the media representatives were introduced to the concept of "A City of Symbiosis", a development model that integrates ecological protection with urban growth and took part in planting a mangrove tree.

The Futian mangrove reserve, together with Hong Kong's Mai Po Nature Reserve, forms the complete wetland system of Shenzhen Bay, serving as a crucial wintering and stopover site for migratory birds traveling along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

 Guangdong Neilingding-Futian National Nature Reserve. [Photo to WeChat account: happyfutian]

The agreement to establish the International Mangrove Center, the world's first intergovernmental organization dedicated to mangrove protection and cooperation, was signed in November 2024 and took effect in June this year.