Conservation International and Sateri have announced the commencement of the third phase of the Poyang Lake Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, marking a significant milestone in addressing climate change impacts on one of China’s most vital freshwater ecosystems. The new phase builds upon the initiative’s impressive achievements since its launch in 2019 and integrates a stronger focus on carbon neutrality and ecosystem resilience.

Situated in Jiangxi Province, Poyang Lake is China’s largest freshwater lake and a crucial ecological and economic resource. It contributes over 15% of the Yangtze River’s annual flow, regulates regional floods, and provides drinking water for millions. The lake also supports the livelihoods of 45 million people while serving as a critical habitat for numerous species, including the critically endangered Siberian crane and Yangtze finless porpoise.

Five years of transformative impact

The collaboration between Conservation International, a global non-profit, and Sateri, a leading producer of textile fibres, has achieved substantial progress since the initiative’s inception. Key accomplishments include:

- Strengthening the management of 473,000 hectares of protected areas across 50 ecological zones

- Training and equipping 2,000 wetland rangers

- Enhancing the habitat of 350 wildlife species, including endangered species

- Constructing five community artificial wetlands capable of treating 56,000 tonnes of agricultural and domestic sewage annually

Supporting 25,000 local residents through livelihood programs, vocational training, and environmental education

Zhang Cheng, Program Director at Conservation International China, highlighted the initiative’s holistic impact: “This initiative has enhanced biodiversity conservation and empowered communities with sustainable livelihoods. It showcases the power of collaboration in balancing ecological protection with human well-being.”

Advancing conservation and climate action

The third phase, supported by the Jiujiang Municipal Government, will focus on researching the freshwater health index (FHI) to monitor and improve basin health, restoring small wetlands to bolster local ecosystems, and enhancing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

This phase aligns with Sateri’s 2030 vision of becoming a ‘net positive impact’ company. Cai Zhichao, Vice President of Operations at Sateri, emphasised the initiative’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs): “Our commitment to the bioeconomy drives us to protect and restore the natural resources we depend on. This initiative not only meets our sustainability goals but also contributes to UNSDGs related to clean water, sustainable cities, responsible production, climate action, and life on land.”

Expanding to six times the size of Singapore during flood season, Poyang Lake is an ecological treasure. It supports two internationally significant Ramsar wetland sites, sustains migratory birds like the Siberian crane, and stores over 8.8 million tonnes of irrecoverable carbon. Its role in flood control, water storage, and biodiversity conservation is indispensable.

Conservation International works globally to protect nature for the benefit of humanity. Through scientific research, policy advocacy, and field initiatives, the organisation fosters partnerships to safeguard critical ecosystems.

Sateri, the world’s largest producer of manmade cellulose fibre, integrates sustainability into its operations. Its products, including the EcoCosy brand, meet stringent environmental and social standards, reflecting the company’s leadership in sustainable textile innovation.

www.sateri.com

www.conservation.org