Participants pose for a group photo during an event focusing on the management of Taihu Lake in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
An event focusing on the management of Taihu Lake was held on March 21 in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, as part of celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of friendly exchanges between Wuxi and San Bernardino County, California, the United States.
Jesse Armendarez, Second District Supervisor of San Bernardino County, visited Gonghuwan Wetland Park and the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area during the event, where he experienced the unique charm of Taihu Lake.
Natural environment along Taihu Lake in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Despite this being his third visit to Wuxi, Armendarez said that with each visit, he discovers a new facet of the city, keeping the experience fresh and captivating. He showed a particularly keen interest in Wuxi's approach to preserving Taihu Lake.
Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater lake in China and is primarily managed by Wuxi. The city has implemented a series of effective measures in recent years to restore the lake's natural environment, including the closure of polluting enterprises along its shores, daily dredging operations, and the establishment of wetlands.
Journeying along the Taihu Lake shoreline towards the Guanshe Hill Villa in the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Armendarez and his companions were deeply impressed by the distant mountains and tranquil lake waters.
Year of the Snake commemorative coins from US guests. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Armendarez is a firm believer of the saying "green mountains and clear waters are equal to mountains of gold and silver". He noted that Wuxi's principle of fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in water management aligns with San Bernardino County's conservation efforts. The county has also implemented practices such as erecting ecological barriers, dredging, and relocating residents within protected areas to safeguard local reserves and lakes.
He anticipates sustained and meaningful dialogue between the two regions in the field of ecological conservation, with hopes of strengthening cooperation in biodiversity protection and enhancing water purification capacity.
