Xi'an solar company launches initiative for biodiversity conservation

China's solar technology giant, LONGi Green Energy Technology, from Xi'an, unveiled an initiative at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), which is being held in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, from Nov 11 to 22.

The initiative, titled Photovoltaic Promotion for Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation Initiative, was unveiled in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Stewart Maginnis (left), deputy director general of IUCN, and Zhang Haimeng (right), vice president and chief sustainability officer of LONGi, jointly launch the initiative. [Photo/WeChat account of Xi'an Release]

The IUCN is the world's largest and oldest global non-profit environmental organization. It is a key international organization in nature conservation and sustainable development.

Recognizing the significance of renewable energy technologies like solar PV in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving ecosystems and biodiversity, LONGi advocates for fostering a corporate culture of biodiversity conservation.

The initiative aims to promote international cooperation, share global best practices, and encourage more businesses to develop and apply renewable energy.

Stewart Maginnis, deputy director general of IUCN, commended LONGi as a leading player in the solar PV industry and praised the initiative as a positive response to IUCN's guidelines on the biodiversity impacts of solar projects.

Maginnis believed the initiative would inspire broader industry and societal actions, encouraging more companies and organizations to participate in renewable energy initiatives.