NANJING: Nine Pakistani students have been awarded the title of “International Smile Ambassador” for their dedicated efforts in protecting the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise during the 2025 Nan-jing International Volunteer Service Exchange for Ecological Protection on June 22.
The students were recognized for their volunteer work, which included cleaning riverbanks, conserv-ing water resources, conducting science education programs, learning about aquatic creatures like tur-tles and participating in rescue awareness campaigns.
The Yangtze finless porpoise, often called the “smiling angel of the Yangtze River” due to its distinctive curved mouth, is a critically endangered mammal and a key indicator of the river’s ecological health. The event brought together volunteers from multiple countries, including about 30 participants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, to share knowledge and promote cross-border environmental cooperation.
Ahmad, a student from Nanjing Tech University, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “this experience has shown me how important it is to protect aquatic life. China’s efforts in conserving the Yangtze finless porpoise can inspire similar actions in Pakistan, where we also have endangered species.” Pakistani medical student Danish Alvi highlighted the connection between wildlife protection and hu-man well-being. “When we safeguard mammals and natural habitats, we are also protecting human health. All life is interconnected, and events like this remind us of our responsibility toward the plan-et,” he said. –Agencies
