Over the past two decades, China’s concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” has become more than a slogan—it’s a guide for balancing ecological protection with economic growth and social progress. Originating in Zhejiang province in 2005, this idea is now shaping partnerships with Africa and offering a global blueprint for sustainable development.
Origin in Zhejiang
First proposed by President Xi Jinping in Zhejiang in 2005, the “two mountains” concept links a healthy environment (green mountains) with economic gains (gold mountains), fundamentally shifting the narrative from choosing between growth and conservation.
Zhang Yanru from Zhejiang Normal University explains: 'The concept has fundamentally changed the mindset of opposing economic growth to environmental protection. It is now a strategic guide for harmonious development between humans and nature.'
In Zhejiang, landmark programs like the “811 Action” have tackled river pollution, supported low-carbon industry upgrades, and boosted rural green prosperity—turning once-degraded landscapes into vibrant ecosystems.
Resonance in Africa
From Kenya, Ali-said Matano, Blue Economy Advisor and Regional Director of the Africa Centre for Environment and Water Services, sees a clear link:
'In Africa, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry all depend on environmental conservation. In the Lake Victoria Basin, the health of the water is determined by what happens in the surrounding catchment—exactly the link between lucid waters and lush mountains.'
Global Green Leadership
China is now the world’s largest installer of hydropower, wind, and solar capacity:
- Hydropower
- Wind energy
- Solar photovoltaic
In the last ten years, average global costs for wind power and photovoltaic have fallen by over 60% and 80% respectively, with China playing a decisive role in driving down prices and scaling technologies.
Deepening China–Africa Cooperation
Key initiatives include:
- China–Africa Green Industrial Chain Fund
- Marine observation partnerships
- Biodiversity protection programs
- China–Africa Environmental Cooperation Center in Nairobi
Matano praises existing platforms: 'There is a China–Africa Environmental Cooperation Center in Nairobi working closely with UNEP. This can become a strong pillar for future collaboration.'
A Shared Sustainable Future
What began as a local experiment in Zhejiang has grown into a global vision. As China and Africa deepen green partnerships, the “lucid waters and lush mountains” concept offers a shared blueprint for a future where ecological health and economic vitality thrive together.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
