The deputy mayor of Wuhan, ZHANG Zhongjun, and key officials from various government departments visited the Guanqiao Campus of IHB on February 14, 2025, to review the progress of Yangtze finless porpoises' conservation efforts. (Credit: IHB)

The deputy mayor of Wuhan, ZHANG Zhongjun, and key officials from various government departments visited the Guanqiao Campus of the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on February 14, 2025, to review the progress of Yangtze finless porpoises' conservation efforts. The delegation included representatives from Wuhan’s Agricultural and Rural Affairs Bureau, Finance Bureau, Natural Resources and Urban Construction Bureau, and the Department of Culture and Tourism, among others.

The visit focused on discussing the future of the Yangtze finless porpoises' conservation program. Established as a national priority, the Institute of Hydrobiology has been at the forefront of research and practical conservation for over 50 years, leading international efforts in the protection of endangered small cetaceans. The work of the institute has earned global recognition, with the Yangtze finless porpoises' recovery serving as a beacon of hope in the conservation of similar species worldwide.

During the meeting, Prof. WANG Kexiong shared the key achievements of the program and outlined plans for the future. He highlighted the Wuhan Municipal Government's strong commitment to the initiative, including the establishment of the Wuhan Yangtze Finless Porpoises Breeding and Conservation Technology Research Center at the Institute in 2022. The center, which has successfully bred two second-generation porpoises, is a testament to the progress made. Additionally, the government has allocated special funds during China's 14th Five-Year Plan to support the center's continued development.

Deputy mayor ZHANG Zhongjun underscored Wuhan’s potential to become a leader in environmental conservation, comparing the Yangtze finless porpoise to the panda as a symbol of ecological preservation. He proposed that the city leverage its strengths in science and tourism to make the Yangtze finless porpoise an internationally recognized icon, akin to how the giant panda has come to represent Chengdu. This, he suggested, would enhance Wuhan’s global profile and attract international visitors. 

Zhang also revealed plans for integrating the Yangtze finless porpoise into major citywide events, aiming to increase public awareness and foster a collective appreciation for the species. By mid-year, the city plans to engage students and the general public in learning about the porpoise and its conservation story. 

The discussion closed with a shared commitment to advancing the conservation efforts, with an emphasis on collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and the public to ensure the long-term survival of this beloved species.