UN body partners with private sector to set up sustainable patrol at nature reserve

The United Nations Development Programme has been implementing projects at Shanghai's Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve, aiming to provide eco-friendly solutions at one of Asia's premier bird sanctuaries.

In an initiative, the program has partnered with the private sector to integrate solar power with electric vehicles, establishing a sustainable patrol system at the reserve, which serves as a vital stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway migration route.

"Our partnerships with NIO automobiles and Trina Solar have enabled the creation of a clean energy system that enhances protection while minimizing environmental impact," Leng Fei, UNDP BIOFIN national coordinator in China and project manager, said.

"This is a highly recommended way for the private sector to participate in conservation by the international community, and it aligns with the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework."

The reserve also hosts the UNDP-GEF Flyway project, which provides technical support to mainstream the flyway into the policies, and a project under UNDP's Biodiversity Finance Initiative exploring the financial solutions to provide support to the reserve.

"We try to complement China's substantial investment in habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation, serving as a bridge for international technical and financial support," Leng said.

Rangers and researchers now patrol in solar-powered electric vehicles, replacing conventional diesel models.

"The near-silent operation of electric vehicles enables closer wildlife observation without disturbance, particularly critical during migration periods," Niu Dongliang, director of the reserve's management center, said.