Photo: Yu: Beijing has basically fulfilled promises made in Olympic bid

Scene of the meeting

(BEIJING, April 6) -- On Thursday afternoon, Yu Xiaoxuan, deputy director of BOCOG Venue and Environment Department, arrived at Beijing's Intercontinental Crowne Plaza Hotel to take part in the Beijing Olympic Committee's Ministerial Reception Day activity.

The activity caught the eyes of many foreign and domestic media outlets, who came out in large numbers to cover the gathering. Yu introduced to those present concepts regarding a "Green Olympics" and Beijing's ongoing environmental protection work, among other Olympic concepts.

Yu provides information to guests present at the meeting.

Yu pointed out the three main aspects of a "Green Olympics."

One, BOCOG must guarantee that the Olympics is hosted under environmentally-friendly conditions. This means that Beijing must take precautions to protect the city's ecology while preparing for the Olympics, including keeping watch over the impact that food establishments, traffic growth, housing issues, etc. have on the environment.

Two, a "Green Olympics" necessitates that government bodies in Beijing and the Olympic co-host cities, with the help of their citizens, continue the maintenance of an ecological society. Although the leader acknowledged that municipal governments and related organizations should take the principal roles on this front, he emphasized that BOCOG will wholeheartedly support their endeavors.

Reporters from various media centers are present at the conference.

Yu told reporters that Beijing has basically fulfilled its promise made in its bid for the 2008 Olympics. In the seven years since the city was notified of its successful bid, Beijing has been cleaning up the city's air and water, greening the environment, and limiting the pollution caused by large factories.

Three, China's hosting of the Olympics should be used as a platform from which to popularize and further education regarding environmental protection. Yu pointed out the work that media centers, experts, and representatives from environmental NGOs have done, including distributing reports and hosting information sessions (attended by thousands of people since 2004) to spread knowledge about preserving the natural world, conserving water, recycling, nurturing nature, and protecting the ecology, among other environmental ideas.

Yu offered information regarding the Olympic Forest Park, which covers 680 hectares of land. Standing in Beijing's north, the park is home to various kinds of flora, providing a very scenic setting. After the Games, the park will be opened to the public, for the enjoyment of local citizens.

Reporters taking notes of meeting proceedings.

The park is unique: at the 450,000 square meter wetland located in the southwest end, the world's first mock water maintenance system and greenhouse ecosystem will be in operation, providing clean water to the water system in the park. The entire recreational area is an important part of the greening work of Beijing.

Yu underscored the fact that Beijing's municipal government is currently working diligently on measures originally planned to improve the environment for the Olympic Games, including keeping controls on pollution emitting vehicles and factories. Yu told reporters that the city would not compromise on air and water quality during the Games, as it is prepared to order the closing of factories that do not conform to pollution-limiting guidelines.