Participants take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new research institute on ancient tree preservation at Zhejiang A&F University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on July 23. [Photo by Chen Shengwei]

Zhejiang province has established China's first provincial foundation dedicated to the protection of ancient and notable trees, marking a major step toward institutionalizing ecological and cultural conservation.

The Zhejiang Ancient and Notable Trees Protection Foundation was officially launched on July 23 at Zhejiang A&F University in Hangzhou, alongside a groundbreaking ceremony for the university's new research institute on ancient tree preservation.

Set against the backdrop of the newly enacted Regulations on the Protection of Ancient and Notable Trees, the event signals Zhejiang's commitment to professionalizing and expanding public participation in ancient tree protection.

Approved by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, the foundation is a non-public fundraising organization. Its mission is to preserve natural heritage and promote ecological civilization. The foundation aims to attract donations from social organizations, enterprises, and individuals to support and advance preservation efforts.

"Ancient and notable trees are living relics of history and nature," said Zheng Bingsong, secretary-general of the foundation. "They embody cultural traditions and ecological memory, and carry historical, scientific, and economic value."

China is home to more than 5.08 million ancient trees, with Zhejiang accounting for about 275,000. A significant portion of these trees is in decline and in urgent need of protection and restoration, Zheng noted.