Beijing, China - July 2024 – Arcadis (EURONEXT: ARCAD), leveraging its expertise in French Bay Contracts and advanced water management solutions, is spearheading a transformative initiative in Fuding Bay, in the Chinese province of Fujian. This project aims to conserve integrated land-sea ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and drive community development in Fuding City, addressing critical environmental challenges.
Fuding City, home to China's northernmost mangrove line, faces severe environmental degradation. These mangroves are vital for ecosystem resilience against climate change and for stabilizing coastal regions. Damaged mangroves, aquaculture pollution, and untreated wastewater threaten local biodiversity. Additionally, the city is grappling with population decline and the need for economic and tourism revitalization. In response, an 80 million euro loan from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) aims to address these issues.
Arcadis is at the forefront of providing technical assistance under the AFD loan for the implementation of the Bay Contract, a territorial action program uniting economic, industrial, and institutional stakeholders to mitigate the negative impacts of industrial, port, and tourism activities on water and marine ecosystems. Leveraging the combined expertise of teams from France and China, Arcadis has successfully exemplified international cooperation through this project. Arcadis' role includes:
- Diagnosing water quality to identify and address key issues.
- Introducing innovative practices in managing Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and promoting ecological aquaculture.
- Organizing study tours for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
- Engaging in strategic communication to ensure stakeholder collaboration and community involvement.
The Bay Contract employs a collaborative management approach, relying on moral, technical, and financial commitments rather than legal mandates. Inspired by over 250 successful French environmental contracts, this initiative aims to rejuvenate the aquatic and coastal quality of Fuding Bay, benefiting approximately 250,000 residents. The project's core objective is to enhance water quality and promote the sustainable management of natural aquatic ecosystems.
Arcadis is dedicated to proposing nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration, to help territories achieve a nature-positive future. By leveraging its expertise, Arcadis aims to rejuvenate Fuding Bay, ensuring sustainable ecosystem management and community well-being.
Arcadis was selected for this project due to its robust methodology, proven track record in nature-based solutions, and water management expertise. The company's experience with French Bay Contracts and ability to foster Sino-French cooperation align perfectly with Fuding City's objectives to mitigate environmental challenges and promote sustainable economic growth and community well-being.
