Ping An Unveils Innovative Biodiversity Initiative at COP30

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. recently showcased its groundbreaking project, the "Ancient Tree Guardian Action," during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Belém, Brazil. This initiative symbolizes a fusion of advanced insurance strategies, technology, and social responsibility, designed to develop a sustainable protective framework for ancient trees throughout China, and highlights the proactive steps taken by this prominent Chinese company to support biodiversity conservation amid climate change challenges.

A Heritage Worth Protecting

China is home to approximately 5.08 million ancient trees recognized for their ecological, cultural, and scientific importance. However, these trees face various threats, including the impacts of climate change, pest invasions, and inadequate funding for their upkeep. Given the wide distribution and intrinsic value of these ancient specimens, traditional insurance methods struggle to provide adequate support due to costly inspections and continuous monitoring demands.

To address these pressing issues, Ping An has introduced an innovative "Insurance + Technology" model, which employs state-of-the-art tools such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This comprehensive approach assesses various factors affecting ancient trees, including growth patterns and geographical risks. In a significant advancement in 2023, Ping An implemented Guangdong’s first insurance plan for ancient trees, creating a holistic support system that encompasses prevention strategies, emergency responses, and post-disaster compensation. As of late October 2025, this project has delivered over RMB 700 million (around USD 98 million) in protection for more than 55,000 notable trees across the nation.

Proactive Monitoring and Community Engagement

A critical component of Ping An’s ancient tree protection initiative involves leveraging technology for continuous monitoring. By employing IoT devices, environmental sensors, and wireless communication technologies, Ping An tracks essential metrics like soil moisture and air quality round-the-clock. The collected data is instantly uploaded to the cloud, where an intelligent management system processes it, allowing caretakers to receive timely and scientifically-informed maintenance advice.

Moreover, the development of Ping An's proprietary "EagleX" system combines various monitoring capabilities, tracking extreme weather events such as floods and typhoons, helping teams respond swiftly to potential hazards. This proactive stance shifts the focus from post-disaster relief to preventing disasters, significantly mitigating ancient trees' risk of damage.

Empowering Communities and Supporting Local Economies

In addition to financial protections, Ping An actively engages in community-oriented efforts to elevate public awareness about biodiversity. Its educational campaigns, including workshops and exhibitions about ancient trees, are crucial in sparking interest among the public. The company also initiated an eco-tourism project dubbed "Travel with Ancient Trees" in 2025, establishing unique travel routes that further promote ecological education. This initiative was introduced to 250 million users through Ping An's "Auto Owner" app, resonating well with those eager to learn more while stimulating local green economies.

Financial Backing for Ecological Restoration

Integral to Ping An's biodiversity initiative is its green finance strategy, wherein the "Ancient Tree Guardian Action" plays a central role. The organization doesn’t just focus on trees; it extends its insurance services to encompass carbon-sequestering ecosystems, including forests and marine environments. By the end of 2024, Ping An's Carbon Sink Insurance covered 18 provinces and municipalities, demonstrating its commitment to ecological preservation.

Ping An has broadened and deepened its green financial endeavors in recent years, balancing efforts in insurance, banking, and investment sectors. As of mid-2025, its green investments reached RMB 144.482 billion (approximately USD 20 billion), and the company’s green loan total stood at RMB 251.746 billion (around USD 35.3 billion), with premiums from green insurance services amounting to RMB 55.279 billion (roughly USD 7.7 billion).

A Commitment to Sustainability

Looking into the future, Ping An's Brand Department General Manager, Chen Yao, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation within green finance. He remarked, "Ping An will continue to foster groundbreaking advancements in green insurance and investment offerings, partnering with global entities to champion sustainable development and environmental conservation."

This dedicated approach not only safeguards China’s ancient tree heritage but also positions Ping An as a leader in the global movement towards environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.