China's "two mountains" concept – that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets – offers guidance on achieving economic development without harming the environment, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International Director General Kirsten Schuijt told CGTN in an interview in Beijing.

The concept also carries significant implications for global sustainability.

Schuijt noted that the world, not just China, faces the challenge of ensuring that economic development does not come at the expense of the environment. "I think this is where there is a lot the world can be inspired by what China is doing. For example, 'the green is gold' vision."

She highlighted the substantial work China has done in protected areas, both terrestrial and marine, as well as in species conservation, citing the significant increases in giant panda and tiger populations as success stories under the concept.

"It's an inspiration not just for what's happening in China, but also for what can happen in other countries, especially developing nations grappling with this topic: how can we grow without harming or depleting biodiversity in the process," said Schuijt.