The Sino-German Guiyang Forest Experience and Pedagogy Center Project was launched in Guiyang Changpoling National Forest Park on Oct 20, and will become the first project of its kind in one of China's provincial capitals when completed.

The project will include a forest experience, forest exploration and the popularization of science. A total investment of 18.6 million yuan ($2.7 million) will be provided by Germany-aided funds, Germany-aided project funds, Guizhou project funds and Guiyang financial funds.

The opening ceremony of the Sino-German Guiyang Forest Experience and Pedagogy Center Project is held in Guiyang on Oct 20. [Photo/gog.com.cn]

Forest experience pedagogy is a new education mode that allows people to learn about the connection between forests and human activities, while guiding people to participate in forest protection and sustainable development.

Similar projects are emerging in countries like Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Korea, the UK, Thailand and Cambodia. In China, a Sino-Germany project in Tianshui, Gansu province and a Sino-South Korean project in Beijing are also underway.

Though Guiyang has achieved great success in its ecological environment construction and strengthened its influence in ecology as China's first demonstration city of ecological civilization, it still lacks experience in forest experience pedagogy.

Representatives from China and Germany jointly plant a tree symbolizing their cooperation during the project. [Photo/gog.com.cn]

The idea of the Sino-German Guiyang Forest Experience and Pedagogy Center Project first appeared in 2013. According to the project plan, the buildings of Changpoling National Forest Park will be rebuilt into an experience center and an information center covering an area of 2,800 square meters.

Starting from the information center, a 3,000-meter-long footpath will be built to connect 15 different forest experience sites in the park. The remaining unused facilities in the park will serve as resting, dining and meeting areas for future visitors.

When completed, the center will become a significant platform to strengthen the communication and cooperation between China and Germany, and provide sustainable development education for Guiyang citizens.

Students experience nature in the forest. [Photo/gog.com.cn]