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    Environmental Concerns along the Silk Road

    Environmental Concerns along the Silk Road

    Written by: Maryam Muhammad
    Posted on: June 09, 2015 |

    Gwadar Port

    Many of the world’s industrial powers have developed at the cost of a damaged environment, which often takes years to undo. Ongoing plans of the new Silk Road connecting China and Pakistan have raised similar concerns among environmentalists, some of whom are questioning the environmental feasibility of the project.

    The most fundamental purpose of the new Silk Road is to decrease the distance travelled by Chinese goods to reach their target market, so that the goods may remain cheap and retain their appeal to the masses. However, low transportation costs of the goods come at a substantial price. Since most goods will be transported using vehicles that emit air pollution, a human health cost will be incurred as a result of this project. In the coming decades, one can predict a rise in respiratory diseases in inhabitants that live along the Silk Road route. The noise generated by machinery during construction of the project, and later, by vehicles responsible for transporting goods, will also be a potential nuisance for people residing along the route.

    The infrastructure required for the new Silk Road will require huge expanses of land – which must be cleared of forests, vegetation, fields and farms. This will pose a problem for areas such as Chitral, where there is a scarcity of land. In addition to destroying sources of subsistence for the locals, the construction work will also cause a loss of biodiversity and animal habitats. While people can be relocated and compensated for their losses, the damage done to animal species will be difficult to undo.

    environmental-concerns-along-the-silk-road

    Chitral Valley

    The impact of transportation and deforestation combined will emerge as a major contribution to global warming in the long run. Several countries that are a part of the new Silk Road initiative are already experiencing an increase in flooding, rain and heat spells. The new Silk Road initiative could also aggravate natural disasters that result from human activities.

    With regards to the steps that have already been taken, China has agreed to share its experience of environmental sustainability and green processes in recent years, so that member countries may get to learn from its experience. Fang Li, assistant secretary-general of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, said in a speech made in April 2015:

    "Environmental protection is a shared consensus among all nations [...] as a developing country, we understand that in nations involved in the Belt and Road initiative, there exists the contradictory mentality of environmental protection versus development," Fang said.

    China has recognized the fact that several member countries of the new Silk Road initiative may still be stuck in the development vs. environment conundrum. The key is not to choose one over the other, but rather to find a balance between both. Therefore, the possible environmental consequences should not deter member states from making a commitment to the project.  

    China and the rest of the member countries need to work towards solutions in the early phases of the project. Firstly, stakeholders in the project should switch to more eco-friendly fuels for transportation purposes, in order to reduce the harm inflicted on nearby populations. As part of the social responsibility of this project, investing parties can devote a fraction of the allocated funds towards research pertaining to eco-friendly fuels. People displaced by the infrastructure construction should be relocated at a safe distance (a parameter that minimizes the harm of air and noise pollution emitted by transport and construction machinery) from the new Silk Road. Also, laws requiring the use of catalytic convertors (devices that convert vehicle emissions into relatively harmless products) in vehicles along the corridor could be drafted and passed in the participating countries.

    Afforestation should be undertaken to reverse the damage done to forests since the beginning of the project. As an ancillary effort, animal reserves could be set up in areas where the project can potentially cause a loss of biodiversity. These reserves may also help the project by promoting tourism and consequently helping the member states earn revenue from tourists. 

    On a more positive note, the new Silk Road can be used to overcome the challenges posed by the natural environment for the Asian region. The extensive road network can help overcome barriers to disaster management. Therefore, in response to flash flooding, torrential rains, earthquakes or drought, aid can be dispensed to affected areas more rapidly than before. PRCS (Pakistan Red Crescent Society) has already expressed interest in setting up a rapid response emergency service along the entirety of the route. Such a service will be highly favorable for all states participating in the project; it will also be valuable at times when medical experts, equipment or assistance is needed in any of the member states.

    Lastly, there is a need to recognize that “going green” with respect to this project can contribute to economic growth. Being considerate of the environment means to be resource-efficient and to avoid local costs and implications of global warming. It also results in improved investor and consumer confidence (keeping in mind the concerns about environmental implications of consumer and investment choices). Finally, it also results in enhanced agricultural output by reducing the degradation of land and water (highly advantageous for agriculture-based economies like Pakistan). Therefore, the idea of going green is in harmony with an ambitious project like the new Silk Road.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021