CAPE TOWN, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Authorities from China's Mount Tai and South Africa's Table Mountain on Friday signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in conservation and sustainable development.
The agreement was signed by the Mount Tai Scenic Area Management Committee and South African National Parks (SANParks) at a ceremony held in Cape Town, attended by officials from both sides.
Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of China's most renowned mountains, known for its historical, cultural, aesthetic, and scientific significance. Table Mountain, managed by SANParks, is one of South Africa's most iconic landmarks and tourist destinations.
According to SANParks, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in biodiversity conservation, protected area management, sustainable tourism, environmental education, climate change adaptation, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting natural heritage while creating opportunities for sustainable tourism, knowledge exchange, and inclusive growth," said Howard Hendricks, managing executive for conservation services at SANParks, at the signing ceremony.
Zhang Ying, a senior official from the Chinese city of Tai'an, where Mount Tai is located, said balancing environmental protection with sustainable development is a challenge for both sides.
"For this reason, we came to Cape Town to sign the cooperation agreement with SANParks, so that the two sides can strengthen cooperation in tourism, heritage conservation, and cultural and economic exchanges," he said. ■