The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was held from November 11th to 22nd in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. During the conference, LONGi, in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), launched the “Initiative for Advancing Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation with Photovoltaic.” The event was attended by Zhang Haimeng, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of LONGi, Stewart Maginnis, Deputy Director General of IUCN, and Wang Xiaoying, Director of Sustainable Development at Ant Group.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently released a report identifying climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution as the top global environmental challenges. As a leading solar energy company, LONGi understands that advancing renewable energy technologies, like solar power, is essential not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to protect ecosystems and biodiversity. After presenting Climate Action White Papers at COP conferences for three consecutive years starting in 2021, LONGi has taken its corporate climate actions to the next level at COP29 by partnering with IUCN to integrate climate action with biodiversity conservation.
The initiative encourages companies to adopt climate and biodiversity protection strategies aligned with international environmental agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It also calls for companies to follow global best practices by ensuring that all activities meet climate and biodiversity protection standards, using eco-friendly methods in renewable energy projects, enhancing energy efficiency, and increasing the use of clean energy. Additionally, the initiative promotes creating a corporate culture focused on biodiversity conservation and fostering international cooperation and sharing of best practices through partnerships.
In his speech, IUCN Deputy Director General Stewart Maginnis highlighted that LONGi, as a leader in the photovoltaic industry, is proactively aligning with IUCN’s guidelines on minimizing the biodiversity impact of solar energy projects through this new initiative. He expressed confidence that the initiative will inspire broader industry and societal actions, encouraging more companies and organizations to adopt renewable energy while reducing their environmental footprint.
As biodiversity gains global attention, LONGi has been actively exploring ways to use photovoltaic technology to support conservation efforts since the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in 2021 in Kunming, Yunnan. LONGi demonstrated its commitment during COP28 with the “Zero-Carbon Life Plan for Pandas,” which included donating a solar power station to the Qinling Giant Panda Conservation Base, adopting a Qinling giant panda, and supplying photovoltaic products and off-grid technology for wildlife monitoring in protected areas. Similarly, in 2022, LONGi donated solar modules to the Acquila Wildlife Conservation Base in South Africa, providing electricity and clean water for wildlife, enhancing sustainable operations.
LONGi has also innovated with projects that merge technology and tradition. In Duyun City, Guizhou Province, the 500kW “Solar + Tea Complementary Project” used LONGi’s photovoltaic products to integrate solar energy into tea gardens, a model replicated in Pu’er City, Yunnan. In the Kubuqi Desert, Inner Mongolia, LONGi contributed to green ecological development with two photovoltaic power stations (336kW and 338kW), supporting sustainable land use through the integration of electricity generation, agriculture, and livestock breeding. These efforts showcase LONGi’s dedication to combining renewable energy with biodiversity conservation.
Zhang Haimeng emphasized that IUCN, as a leading global organization for nature conservation, brings extensive expertise, a wide international network, and a history of successful global initiatives. The partnership between LONGi and IUCN to launch the biodiversity conservation initiative strengthens and accelerates LONGi’s efforts in this area. By working together, LONGi aims to raise awareness among global partners, policymakers, and the public about the critical need for biodiversity conservation.
Zhang Haimeng, said in a statement, “All things grow, and life is continuous. We call on humanity to join hands in protecting the Earth’s biodiversity and achieving harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This is not just an initiative, but a call to action, looking forward to everyone contributing to the protection of biodiversity and the maintenance of ecological balance.”
Drawing inspiration from successful projects like Ant Group’s “Ant Forest,” LONGi is committed to taking impactful actions to address global ecological challenges. As a global leader in green energy solutions, LONGi also sees its photovoltaic technology and solutions as valuable tools to support IUCN’s conservation efforts. This collaboration reflects LONGi’s mission to combine renewable energy innovation with biodiversity protection, promoting a shared vision for a sustainable future.
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