On April 22, a group of people currently on the Belt and Road National Climate Change and Sustainable Development Training Program – organized by the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration – visited a special honey locust forest.
They went to the forest – located in Dongying city, in East China's Shandong province – for an on-site teaching session.
Participants take a group photo in front of the honey locust forest in Dongying. [Photo/Zhihui Hekou App]
Thirty-four participants from nine countries and organizations involved in the Belt and Road Initiatives and in the African Union, visited various locations – including the visitor center, photography exhibition and flower fields – engaging in detailed discussions with staff about the honey locust forest.
Participants visit the photography exhibition. [Photo/Zhihui Hekou App]
The vast, lush honey locust forest, the biggest of its kind in Asia, left a deep impression on the visitors. The blooming tulips, lavender and canola flowers created an idyllic scene for them.
Alonyo Cecilia Oringa, a climate change officer at Uganda's Ministry of Water Resources and Environment, expressed admiration for the beauty and hospitality, noting how the forest's ability to resist salinity and alkalinity was inspiring.
Ibrahim Ahmed, a Nigerian government official, was also impressed – stating that he had only seen such scenes in movies before and that he was blown away by the experience.
The visitors explore the Dongying cultural exhibits. [Photo/Zhihui Hekou App]
