An ecology forum was held on the shores of Tianlu Lake in Pingyao, Shanxi, on Sept 21 to explore new ways to balance environmental protection and economic development.
The event focused on ways of fostering environmentally friendly industries to create a more sustainable economy.
The forum, sponsored by Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE), invited more than 300 experts, entrepreneurs, photographers and artists to discuss environmental protection in the province, especially of the Fenhe River, restoration and reuse of mining brownfields, and urban construction.
Through seminars, concerts and an auction to raise money for environmental causes, the local government sought to raise public awareness of conservation.
Ecological-themed photographs were put to auction, with 10 pieces selling for a total of 1.08 million yuan ($161,907) among which the most expensive one was sold for 350,000 yuan. The funds raised will go towards improving the local environment.
SEE, founded in 2004, is now an institution with more than 550 entrepreneurial members. The association has been committed to ecological preservation since its establishment. It provides a platform where enterprises can communicate and collaborate on public issues and services.
