#China #Ping An #COP30 #Belém #Ancient Trees

Ping An's 'Ancient Tree Guardian Action' at COP30

At the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Belém, Brazil, Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. unveiled its pioneering biodiversity protection initiative called the "Ancient Tree Guardian Action." This innovative project emphasizes the integration of insurance, technology, and social welfare to create a sustainable system to safeguard ancient and notable trees throughout China.

Understanding the Rich Heritage of Ancient Trees

China boasts a rich heritage of around 5.08 million ancient trees, each significant due to their ecological, historical, and scientific value. Unfortunately, these natural treasures face severe threats posed by climate change, insect infestations, and a lack of funding for their upkeep. Since many ancient trees are widely dispersed and their intrinsic value remains challenging to quantify, standard insurance policies struggle to provide adequate risk coverage without incurring excessive costs due to the need for constant inspections and monitoring.

An Innovative Solution:

To address these problems, Ping An has introduced an innovative model that merges technology with insurance. This model utilizes cutting-edge technology—including big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation system for ancient tree conservation. In 2023, Ping An launched Guangdong's first insurance for ancient trees, establishing a dynamic model for their protection that encompasses pre-disaster prevention, response during crises, and post-disaster compensation. As of October 2025, this initiative has provided around RMB 700 million (approximately USD 98 million) in financial backing for over 55,000 ancient trees nationwide.

Advancing from Response to Proactive Protection

Ping An's emphasis on technology is integral to its ancient tree conservation strategy. The company employs IoT devices, environmental sensors, and wireless communications to consistently monitor essential metrics—such as soil moisture, air quality, and overall tree health. This data is uploaded to a cloud-based system where intelligent software generates visual insights and sends real-time alerts, enabling caretakers to implement science-driven maintenance strategies.

Additionally, the proprietary "EagleX" system has been developed, combining remote sensing technology, meteorological monitoring, big data analytics, and AI. This complex system tracks extreme weather patterns, floods, and natural disasters, providing timely warnings that allow for preemptive measures rather than relying solely on post-event compensation. This significantly reduces potential damage to valued ancient trees.

Fostering Community Engagement and Economic Growth

In addition to financial protections, Ping An actively engages local communities through various public welfare initiatives aimed at fostering awareness around biodiversity conservation. In 2025, the company introduced an eco-tourism campaign named "Travel with Ancient Trees," which promotes unique travel routes showcasing ancient trees. Through the Ping An "Auto Owner" app, this campaign reached 250 million registered users, effectively disseminating knowledge about ecological preservation while stimulating local economies.

Strengthening Green Finance for Biodiversity

The "Ancient Tree Guardian Action" is also a crucial component of Ping An's wider green finance strategy. Beyond protecting ancient trees, the company provides coverage for ecosystems that capture carbon, including forests, wetlands, and marine environments. By the end of 2024, Ping An's Carbon Sink Insurance program expanded to encompass 18 regions across the country, thus solidifying its financial commitment to ecological sustainability.

In recent years, Ping An has broadened and deepened its green finance initiatives, integrating efforts in insurance, banking, and investments. By June 30, 2025, the firm has allocated RMB 144.482 billion (approximately USD 20 billion) in green investments, with green loan balances reaching RMB 251.746 billion (about USD 35.3 billion) and insurance premium income from green ventures totaling RMB 55.279 billion (around USD 7.7 billion).

Looking Ahead: The Future of Green Finance

As part of its vision for the future, Ping An's Brand Department General Manager Chen Yao emphasized the company's commitment to promoting green finance innovation. The organization aims to diversify its offerings of green insurance and investment products while collaborating with international partners to bolster sustainable development and environmental preservation efforts.

In conclusion, Ping An's "Ancient Tree Guardian Action" reflects its commitment to utilizing technology and finance in innovative ways to tackle pressing environmental issues while contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.