China, EU team up on green development

The Jiamao Medical and Health Industrial Park is another main pillar of the zone. "The park will use tertiary services to drive the development of secondary manufacturing, building a regionally sustainable industrial ecosystem," said Chen Cheng, director of the urban planning and design institute of PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation, and deputy leader of the zone's preparatory group. "A 28-kilometer immersive cultural and tourism consumption zone along the county's western reservoirs leverage natural resources to develop future industries targeting 'Generation Z'," he said.

Gao Zhongqiao, deputy general manager for investment promotion at Hainan Baofa Health Medical Technology Co, developer and operator of the initial phase of the Jiamao park, said that agreements are already in place with five enterprises and research institutions specializing in health, technology and medical devices. The first phase is slated for completion by the end of November.

The park has attracted early interest from several research institutions. "Baoting's superior natural environment and its focus on developing the health industry align perfectly with our institute's positioning and plans," said Zhou Jun, head of the working group for the Hainan Free Trade Port Health Medical Research Institute, which has signed on to establish a presence in the park.

The Baoting county government has also formulated a county-wide carbon neutrality roadmap. By 2028, the county aims to build a green, low-carbon industrial system centered on health, tourism, culture and agriculture, and peaking its carbon dioxide emissions ahead of China's national 2030 timeframe.

By 2040, Baoting targets achieving full carbon neutrality. It aims to become a global hub for wellness experts, nongovernmental diplomacy on climate, academic exchanges and the development of international climate and wellness standards.

"Baoting will accelerate the construction of a series of projects within the cooperation zone, promote the application of research results, expand diversified funding channels, and advance green and low-carbon development," said Cai Yaoze, head of Baoting county government. "We will ensure support, such as land and planning, to expedite projects like the China-EU (Baoting) green digital carbon management platform."

The innovation zone has garnered significant international endorsement. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and France's former climate change ambassador and special representative for COP21, praised the zone's value. "It sets an example for island regions and provides valuable experience for international multilateral cooperation among China, Europe and international organizations," she said, expressing hope that Baoting's example would inspire more regions to achieve their climate goals.