On June 17, the launch ceremony of Hunan Main Events Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Return of Milu Deer to China was held at the Milu Deer Park in Junshan District, Yueyang. Xie Weijiang, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee and secretary of the CPC Yueyang Municipal Committee, attended the ceremony and announced the commencement of the event.
After 40 years of unremitting efforts, China has revitalized the milu deer population to 15,000, contributing "Chinese wisdom" to global endangered species conservation. Hunan has implemented protection initiatives for milu deer and other rare species while coordinating the conservation and improvement of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts in the Dongting Lake area, creating premium habitats for milu deer population recovery. The milu deer in the Dongting Lake area have now amounted to nearly 400, with their natural hatching rate ranking at the forefront nationwide.
Wu Zhongze, deputy director of the Wildlife Protection and Monitoring Center under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, stated that this event showcases China's achievements in protecting rare and endangered species. He expressed hope for enhanced international exchange and cooperation, enabling more "natural elves" like milu deer to thrive across China, and contributing greater Chinese efforts to building a harmonious, clean and beautiful world.
Nick Duvivier, deputy consul general of the British Consulate General in Guangzhou, remarked that China's achievements in revitalizing the milu deer population over the past 40 years are truly remarkable. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with China and the international community to consolidate these conservation outcomes and jointly pursue harmony between humanity and nature.
During the launch ceremony, the "Report on the Milu Deer Conservation of the Dongting Lake" was officially released, and the "Outstanding Guardians of Milu Deer in the Dongting Lake Area" Award recipients were honored.