European Union, 2024

###

Karst Research: Environmental Protection Driven by EU-China Cooperation

Location: Guilin, Guangxi

European Union, 2024

European Union, 2024

Sunfengren visited the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences’ Institute of Karst Geology at the Yaji Experimental Site in Guilin. On his way, he cycled a total of 19 km, reducing his carbon emissions by around 3.8 kg. Through this cycling tour, he witnessed firsthand EU-China cooperation in karst research projects and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of protection of natural ecosystems.

At the Institute, Sunfengren discussed with Mr Zhang Cheng, Researcher of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences’ Institute of Karst Geology. Mr. Zhang Cheng is also Director of the China-Slovenia Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Karst Geology, who briefed Sunfengren on EU-China cooperation projects that have significantly boosted sustainability.  Through this dialogue, Sunfengren learned more about how EU-China cooperation contributes to karst research, as well as the importance of international exchanges, environmental protection, and efficient resources.

He also learned that the Institute uses technological innovations to monitor the carbon-water cycle in karst critical zones and address the challenges related to water security posed by karst landforms. This has made a difference in locals’ lives and contributes to solving sustainability and water resource problems in karst regions. For example, the Yaji Experimental Site, which was jointly built by China and France, has improved local villagers’ quality of life in various forms and promoted science and educational lectures. Here, Sunfengren realized the vital role of scientific monitoring in environmental protection and the importance of addressing water security problems caused by karst landforms.

For Sunfengren, this visit to Guilin not only made him aware of the threats to nature, but it also encouraged him to participate in more environmental protection initiatives in the future.

Pride on Our Plates: EU-China Cooperation on Food Waste Reduction

Location: A Beijing restaurant

European Union, 2024

European Union, 2024

Xiaoyu cycled from the North Gate of Olympic Forest Park South to METOWN Restaurant. The ride covered around 6 km, reducing her carbon emissions by 1.2 kg.

The restaurant participates in the Pride on Our Plates project, which is part of the EU’s SWITCH-Asia initiative. Committed to promoting food conservation consumer habits, this project aims to help small and medium-sized restaurants reduce food waste by introducing behavioral science tools and practical methods to minimize food loss. It hosts several exchange forums to facilitate dialogue and experience-sharing between China and EU Member States on the topic of food waste reduction.

At the restaurant, Xiaoyu saw how the project “Pride on Our Plates” can be integrated into a restaurant operation. The menu advocates for reasonable portion sizes and staff engage customers through interactive games to convey the message of food waste reduction. The ordering process is also designed to support low-carbon sustainability. Additionally, the restaurant has adopted many creative measures, such as using energy-efficient ovens, weighing waste after sorting, and creating pickles and other gifts from food scraps to minimize waste.

Xiaoyu also had a chance to visit the kitchen, where the head chef showed her how to make the most of food scraps. Such innovative practices not only improve the restaurant’s operations, but also convey a positive message to customers about food conservation.

Through this visit, Xiaoyu realized that these initiatives enhance people’s awareness to food waste in restaurants. They also promote a shift towards a more sustainable society. These innovative tools enable restaurant staff to better understand customers’ dietary preferences, thereby reducing potential food waste caused by picky eating. In Xiaoyu’s eyes, this project sets a great example for reducing food waste and improving resource efficiency.

###

This week, Sunfengren immersed himself in the natural beauty and awe-inspiring power of nature in Guilin’s karst landscape, while Xiaoyu gained insights into the importance of circular economy through her visit to a Beijing restaurant participating in a food waste reduction project. Through innovation and science-based tools, everyone can contribute to sustainability in their daily lives. Thanks to the two bloggers, we got to see EU-China cooperation in environmental protection and sustainability up close, as well as witness its positive impact on the environment. From karst geological research in Guilin to EU-China cooperation in food waste reduction in Beijing, it is clear that we are truly committed to green transition.

What EU-China cooperation projects will they explore next week? Stay tuned for more exciting discoveries in Sustainability Tour 2024!