August 15 marks China's National Ecology Day, a day established last year to boost public awareness and action towards protecting the ecological environment.
On August 15, 2005, Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, visited Yucun Village in Anji County, east China's Zhejiang Province. During his visit, Xi learned that Yucun had shut down three limestone quarries and a cement factory, which were responsible for 95 percent of the village's annual income. He praised this decision as a wise move and introduced the crucial concept that \"green mountains and clear waters are equal to mountains of gold and silver.\"
This philosophy has since become a cornerstone of China's approach to sustainable development, emphasizing environmental protection alongside economic growth.
Here are some of Xi's key quotes on environmental protection and green development:
- \"Green mountains and clear waters are equal to mountains of gold and silver.\"
- \"We must prioritize ecological conservation while pursuing economic advancement.\"
- \"Sustainable development is the only path forward for a prosperous and harmonious society.\"
Reference(s):
Xi Jinping's key quotes on environmental protection, green development
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