May 22 marks International Day for Biological Diversity.

This International Day, under the theme “Acting locally for global impact”, a powerful idea is placed at the center: major changes begin on a small, local scale. The success of this plan to reverse biodiversity loss depends on the strength of local actions—on the commitment of communities, organizations, and governments working together.

With this theme in focus, we are exploring China's local meteorological practice for ecological development in Chongming, Shanghai.

Chongming District Meteorological Office (hereinafter referred to as the Office) of Shanghai, supported by digital and intelligent technologies and focusing on tailored services, aligns with regional development goals and is deeply integrated into the "Ecology +" development strategy. It strives to build a modern ecological meteorological service system that is precisely adapted, scenario-integrated and distinctive. Leveraging meteorological wisdom to nurture ecological greenery, it strongly supports the green, low-carbon and high-quality development of the world-class ecological island.

Empowering Urban Agriculture and Polishing Local Agricultural Brands

Focused on food security and agricultural supply, a 24/7 meteorological support mechanism for key farming periods safeguards major agricultural activities such as summer and autumn harvests. It explores a “meteorology + insurance” model to provide professional data for agricultural insurance loss assessment. It also promotes the certification of Chongming rice, cui-guan pears, white goats, and Chinese mitten crabs as Climate-Ecological Premium Products, enhancing their market competitiveness and added value.

Advancing Ecological Cultural Tourism and Building a Starry Sky IP

Leveraging ecological resources, the Office activates the brand value of "Shanghai Starry Sky Window", launching meteorological landscape indices for stargazing, sunrise and sunset viewing, with multi-platform real-time updates. This makes "planning trips by indices" a new norm in cultural tourism. Jointly developing an "Ecology + Starry Sky" IP, the Office releases a starry sky tourism demonstration map and hosts the "Starlight Chongming・Guided Star-seeking" event.

Safeguarding Major Events and Demonstrating Meteorological Service Strength

Innovating meteorological support mechanisms for high-level events, the Office successfully ensured weather services for the 10th China Flower Expo. Adhering to the principle of "one policy per venue, one plan per event", it provided precise meteorological support for major sports and cultural events including the UCI Women's WorldTour Chongming Island Stage, FIBA 3x3 Shanghai Masters and Chongming Forest Tourism Festival, earning high recognition from organizers.

Supporting Marine Ranching and Protecting the Ecology of the "Blue Granary"

Integrated into the construction of the Yangtze Estuary National Marine Ranch Demonstration Area, the Office focuses on the conservation needs of aquatic species like Chinese sturgeon. Based on offshore observation stations, it has developed a meteorological service product system for disasters including typhoons and cold waves. Delivered directly to frontline users through multiple channels, it is also enhancing the reserve's capacity to cope with extreme weather and supports the development of the "Blue Granary".

The Office will further tap into the potential of meteorological brands to empower ecological development. It will enhance meteorological services for tourism, health and wellness, and leisure sports, expand ecological influence and core competitiveness, and build a Chongming model for realizing the value of climate‑ecological products.

In collaboration with the Office and Shanghai Meteorological Service

Special thanks to ZHU Ye with Shanghai Meteorological Service

Planner/Editor: LIU Shuqiao