Marco Lambertini, director general of the World Wide Fund for Nature International. [Photo/VCG]

Marco Lambertini, director general of the World Wide Fund for Nature International

I was delighted with President Xi’s speech when, referring to the principle of innovation, he specifically mentioned low-carbon and conservation of eco-systems. We know President Xi understands exactly the value of natural systems, the value of stable climate, of clean air, clear water, and much more. For us, that is a very powerful message that President Xi sent.

For everybody that is involved in the Belt and Road Initiative it is a strong recommendation to include environmental considerations at the beginning of the planning phase projects, and don't leave them as an afterthought.

Only if we integrate socio-economic development and environment, will we reach sustainability. This is at the core of the sustainable development goals and the concept of ecological civilization. This is an opportunity to implement and make the eco-civilization real, and WWF will be happy to support the initiative. We would love to provide data and analysis to help the environment sector, to help plan a Belt and Road Initiative that delivers a better future for all life on earth.

It is a big initiative, with huge investments, and has the potential to immensely contribute to the fight against climate change and preserve natural capital and ecosystem services by promoting renewable energy and avoid impact on forests, river basins and other crucial ecosystems. The Belt and Road Initiative can help developing economies leapfrog a carbonized economy and embrace clean renewable energy. This could be a very remarkable contribution of the initiative not only to Asia, but also to the world.