Education
Chinese envoy says panda art initiative will promote wildlife conservation – EnviroNews
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Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, has identified art and cultural exchange as promoters of wildlife conservation and environmental awareness among young people.
Zhou said this on Monday, June 8, 2026, during the “Hello Nigeria 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience” in Abuja.
He described the giant panda as a symbol of biodiversity conservation and cultural friendship.
“The giant panda is known as a ‘living fossil’ of the earth, a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation, and a friendly envoy of Chinese culture,” Zhou said.
He also said that the Panda Painting Interactive Experience uses art as a bridge to connect cultures, encouraging participants to appreciate the importance of protecting nature and preserving wildlife.
“The ‘Panda Painting Interactive Experience’ uses panda painting as an artistic bridge, blending the image of the panda with contemporary artistic creation, bringing together the intangible cultural heritage of Sichuan, the panda’s homeland, and the vibrant colours of Africa,” he said.
According to him, the programme goes beyond art by creating opportunities for cultural dialogue and environmental awareness among young people.
“This is not only an art exhibition, but also a warm, healing cultural dialogue.
“Through the paintbrushes in our children’s hands, the graffiti on the long scrolls and the laughter on the stage, we will feel the natural beauty and cultural charm of the panda’s homeland,” he added.
Furthermore, Zhou noted that the event forms part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.
Mr. Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, said the initiative demonstrates the power of art to promote environmental consciousness and mutual understanding.
“The giant panda is globally recognised as a symbol of peace, friendship, harmony and environmental consciousness.
“By inviting participants to engage in artistic expression through painting, this event provides an opportunity not only to appreciate Chinese culture but also to celebrate the universal values that unite humanity,” Ibrahim said.
He also stressed that cultural exchanges remained important in building stronger ties between nations.
“Today’s Panda Painting Interactive Experience is a wonderful demonstration of how cultural diplomacy can strengthen relationships, promote shared values and create lasting bonds among nations,” he said.
Also speaking, Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Sodangi, said that the panda is an international symbol of environmental conservation and friendship.
“The panda, China’s national treasure, is a globally recognised symbol of peace, friendship and ecological conservation.
“It embodies the harmony between humanity and nature that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture,” Sodangi said.
He added that the programme encourages young people to reflect on environmental stewardship through artistic expression.
“Through painting and creative expression, we are afforded a unique opportunity not only to explore artistic creativity but also to appreciate the values of unity, environmental stewardship and cultural diversity,” he said.
Sodangi also commended the Chinese Embassy for promoting cultural diplomacy through the arts, noting that such initiatives contribute to stronger bilateral relations and greater appreciation of environmental and cultural values.
The event brought together students from international schools, artists, diplomats, government officials and members of the public, who participated in painting sessions and other cultural activities centred on the panda theme.
By Sarafina Christopher
