The Wudalianchi Natural Reserve in north east China's Heilongjiang province on Friday, March 19 received the United Nation's Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) prestigious Michel Batisse Award at the fourth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Lima, Peru.

According to People's Daily, at the award ceremony a documentary was shown highlighting the rich plant diversity, ample ecosystem and scenic landscape of the Wudalianchi Reserve.  China's tireless efforts to develop innovative and ground-breaking solutions to the ecological, environmental sustainability and conservation problems were also highlighted.

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The esteemed Michel Batisse Award has been given out by UNESCO's 'Man and the Biosphere Programme' since 1989 in memory of Dr. Michel Batisse, for outstanding work in the efficient management of biosphere reserves. The programme aids countries in research on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity.

According to data collected by UNESCO, 56,730 people live in the Wudalianchi Biosphere Reserve and their heritage and customs form a vital part of the diversity of the award winning Reserve. 

The Reserve is also famous for the cultivation of environmental friendly 'green foods' organically. Rice fields in the area are irrigated by waters rich in trace elements essential for the proper functioning of the human body.

Home to China's youngest volcanoes, Mount Laohei and Mount Huoshaos, Wudalianchi serves an ideal place to study progression of pioneer plants on barren landscapes. In addition to spectacular ecology of the Reserve, it houses many Buddhist temples, statues, frescoes and gardens where a variety of folk festivals are held..

This award comes at a significant hour for China after the recent unveiling of its thirteenth Five Year Plan laying great emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development. The People's Republic is on a mission to create a Greener Economy addressing carbon emission and energy consumption issues in the coming five years. 

TagsUNESCO, Michel Batisse Award, Wudalianchi Natural Reserve