On China's National Ecology Day, falling on Aug 15, a Honduran judicial delegation visited the Shendu Tribunal of Shexian County Court, Huangshan, to explore eco-judicial innovations. The 25 members participated in a workshop on judicial practices and learned about the tribunal's distinctive methods for environmental protection.
The group visited the tribunal beside the Xin'an River, exploring its environmental resource courtroom, the "Three Zones Tribunal" exhibit, and the litigation service center. They learned about the tribunal's innovative approaches: protecting the Xin'an River, supporting mountain and reservoir communities, and resolving disputes. These include mobile "Water Court" and "Seasonal Court" sessions, cross-province judicial cooperation, and mediation service points, demonstrating how the tribunal both conserves the river and serves 100,000 residents.
At the Huangshan "Two Mountains" Innovation Center in Damao community, delegates reviewed the court's widespread protection system for the Xin'an River basin. This unified approach addresses "water, fish, riverside villages, village structures, mountain trees", and intangible cultural heritage, encouraging comprehensive ecological conservation.
Honduran judicial delegation visits the Huangshan "Two Mountains" Innovation Center. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The tribunal's pioneering approach and practical solutions received widespread praise. Many delegates eagerly took photos with the rural court team. Before leaving, they stopped at Shendu Wharf to capture images of the sparkling Xin'an River, framed by lush green mountains. Their journey symbolizes the spread of ecological judicial wisdom from historic Huizhou villages to the Caribbean.
The rippling waters of the Xin'an River. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]