To further implement the central government’s directive to “strengthen the protection and management of critical habitats for rare migratory birds during their migration, breeding, and wintering periods” and to promote knowledge about bird and wildlife conservation, the 43rd Heilongjiang Province “Bird-Loving Week” event was launched on April 28. NEFU’s College of Wildlife and Natural Reserves co-hosted the event along with the Heilongjiang Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, the Provincial Commissioner’s Office of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Harbin Municipal Government, the Heilongjiang Provincial Forest Protection Activity Executive Committee, the Heilongjiang Provincial Wildlife Protection Association, Harbin Normal University, the Harbin Forestry and Grassland Bureau, the Songbei District Government, the Harbin Sun Island Scenic Area Asset Management Company, and the World Wildlife Fund (Switzerland) Beijing Representative Office. NEFU's Party Committee member and Vice President Zhang Chunlei, NEFU’s Party Secretary Wang Yongtao, and 50 student volunteers participated in the opening ceremony.

During the event, Shao Weigeng, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, delivered a speech and announced the event’s start. This year’s “Bird-Loving Week” theme is “Improving Protection Systems, Safeguarding Migratory Birds”. This theme calls for and advocates for the protection of migratory birds and reflects deep consideration and proactive actions toward ecological civilization and sustainable development. To further enhance citizens’ awareness and commitment to bird conservation, the College of Wildlife and Natural Reserves set up two booths at the event: a bird-watching experience area and a bird nest-making area, which was met with enthusiastic responses from the public. Guided by volunteers, citizens either used binoculars to spot birds or donned gloves and used vines to build natural bird homes. Everyone actively promoted and practiced the concept of ecological civilization.

Zhang Chunlei stated, “As the only forestry university in the northern forest region, Northeast Forestry University has been deeply involved in ‘Bird-Loving Week’ and other public science activities. We continually contribute our expertise to bird conservation. NEFU will continue to take responsibility, leverage our strengths, and actively serve by strengthening communication and collaboration with the government, social organizations, and various sectors. Together, we aim to build a comprehensive bird protection system and contribute significantly to the new era of ecological civilization construction.”

This event sparked enthusiasm among citizens to care for birds and appreciate nature, inspiring them to become promoters and practitioners of ecological civilization concepts. The College will continue to enhance the dissemination of scientific knowledge, spreading the sounds of nature across the beautiful land of Longjiang, rooting environmental protection concepts in every heart, and making due contributions through practical actions to constructing a beautiful Longjiang and a beautiful China.