A bird's-eye view of the near-completed Tianmu Future Valley in Lin'an district. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Hangzhou announced its commitment to hosting the 5th World Biosphere Reserve Conference as a zero-carbon event on March 17, marking a significant step toward sustainable global engagement.

The announcement was made at the construction site of the Tianmu Future Valley in Lin'an district.

The World Biosphere Reserve Conference is the largest and most inclusive event under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, held once every decade to promote global consensus on balancing ecological protection and economic development.

This year's edition will be held in China for the first time, bringing together 759 experts and representatives from 136 countries and regions to Hangzhou. It's a milestone opportunity to showcase China's ecological achievements and advance global green development.

In line with the host country's green event pledge, Hangzhou launched a carbon-neutral campaign through the Ant Forest platform, encouraging the public to engage in low-carbon behaviors. Over 60 types of everyday eco-friendly behaviors, including green commuting, paper and plastic reduction, and digital processes, will contribute to offsetting the conference's carbon emissions.

To ensure full carbon neutrality, Ant Group will purchase and retire verified carbon credits equivalent to the public's contributions. Citizens engaging in the campaign will also receive conference badges, tickets, souvenirs, and official certificates, promoting both climate action and civic pride.

Construction on the conference's sub-venue, Tianmu Future Valley, located in the Tianmu Mountain Biosphere Reserve, is nearing completion. This site represents Zhejiang's pioneering role in biosphere conservation and will be under the international spotlight when the conference opens in September.

People plant trees at the valley. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]