A delegation from the United Nations Environment Programme visits Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on June 4. [Photo/hzxcw.gov.cn]

A 15-member delegation from United Nations Environment Programme – also known as UNEP – visited Hangzhou, host city of the World Environment Day celebrations in 2019 in Zhejiang province on June 4.

Led by Joyce Msuya, acting UNEP executive director, the delegation toured Xixi National Wetland Park and National Wetland Museum of China, where they were impressed by Hangzhou's efforts in creating a green environment.

"Hangzhou has made brilliant achievements in environmental protection, which ensures the harmonious relationship between human and nature," said Msuya after learning about the great variety of flora and fauna in Xixi National Wetland Park.

A few years ago, Hangzhou pushed for the use of new energy vehicles, in an attempt to promote zero-emission and low pollution. The electricity consumption of a 120-meter new energy vehicle is 80 kilowatts per 100 kilometers, which is regarded as being environmentally friendly.

The new energy public transportation is the trend of the future and will contribute to helping beat air pollution. In this regard, Hangzhou has set a great example not only for the country, but for the world as a whole, said Naysán Sahba, director of the UN Environment's Division of Communications.

The delegation also visited a local primary school, where students displayed their creative designs and inventions in environmental protection.

"The greening is everywhere in Hangzhou and I'm sure there will be many professional environmentalists in the future with great school education," said Msuya.

Joyce Msuya, acting executive director of United Nations Environment Programme inscribes her thoughts onto a paper crane, while visiting a local primary school in Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province. [Photo/hzxcw.gov.cn]