Wuhai, September 27th, 2018 - The launch ceremony of the UNDP-CICETE Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development Project in Wuhai was held in Wuhai City, Inner Mongolia. Initiated by UNDP China (United Nations Development Programme) and CICETE (China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges). This project aims to transform Wuhai City into a green economy and is the first comprehensive mining control project since UNDP was set up in China forty years ago.

In attendance at the ceremony were Mr. Gao Shihong, the Mayor of Wuhai City, Mr. Yan Dong, Director General of CICETE, Ms. Agi Veres, UNDP China Country Officer and Mr.Wang Quancai, Chairman of the Guangna Group.

In her speech at the launch ceremony, Ms. Agi Veres affirmed the project's important contribution to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in China. The multi-party collaboration will demonstrate how to conduct mining in a way that is sustainable, acting as an example for the rest of the country. Ms. Veres stated, “the Wuhai Project could thus be among the first pilot sites to implement this newly launched industry standard in China and contribute to the development of real-time green mining practices in Wuhai.” Ms. Veres added that while the mining sector in general can have both positive and negative impact, it has the potential to help achieve the 17 SDGs if instructed properly.

This project will start from October 1^st, 2018 and will be finished in 2022. There are two main outcomes set to be achieved: the transitioning of Wuhai City to a green economy, and the implementation of stronger environmental protection frameworks and sustainable development policies and initiatives. The project will also aim to promote ecosystem remediation and wetland conservation in the mining area to reduce environmental risks and scarcities. To accomplish these goals, there will be training sessions for local low-carbon experts and a research report on Wuhai green Carbon Financing will be produced. Ultimately, through this project, it is expected that valuable lessons will be provided that can be applied in addressing similar mining and environmental challenges faced by other developing countries.