Tag: PR Newswire

TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Urban Poling Inc.- We are proud to announce that we are now the newest Bronze Partner in Research of The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. This partnership reflects our strong commitment to supporting evidence-based physical therapy and advancing research to optimize health outcomes for communities nationwide.

“We are honored to be partnered with the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research,” said Diana Oliver, Owner and CEO of Urban Poling Inc. “Evidence and supporting research have been paramount to the integrity of our products and educational programs since our company’s inception. Our commitment to research guides our approach to the industry, our partners, professionals, and end users. We believe deeply in the importance of the Foundation’s work.”

About the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is an independent, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to funding physical therapy research and developing researchers to optimize movement and health. For more than 45 years, the Foundation has awarded over $24 million in research grants, scholarships, and fellowships. As the research funding organization of APTA, it remains the only national nonprofit solely focused on supporting physical therapy research. Supporters of the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research who wish to learn more about Urban Poling Inc.’s accredited education programs for the physical therapy community are invited to connect with their team at info@urbanpoling.com and mention the Foundation. This educational opportunity is offered independently by Urban Poling Inc.

Urban Poling Inc. is dedicated to making rehabilitation accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual needs. Their support of the Foundation’s mission highlights a shared belief that research drives innovation, advances the physical therapy profession, and improves patient care through active living.

 “We are grateful to Urban Poling Inc. for becoming a Partner in Research and supporting our mission,” says Paul Rockar, PT, DPT, MS, FAPTA, President of the Foundation.  “We’re fortunate to receive support from companies like Urban Poling Inc. that understand the importance of investing in physical therapy research and advancing the evidence base for our profession.”

About Urban Poling Inc: Urban Poling Inc. is a global leader in the promotion of rehabilitation, fitness and wellness through specialized poles and programs which promote pole walking and pre-gait exercises. Known for its’ innovative Activator® Poles which were designed by an OT and gerontologist, Urban Poling Inc focuses on improving mobility, stability, and overall quality of life for all ages and stages but most especially individuals with balance disorders, neurological conditions, arthritis and those in post-surgical rehabilitation. The company’s products and programs are recommended by leading healthcare professionals worldwide, and Urban Poling Inc is dedicated to empowering people of all ages to live active, healthy lifestyles through doing what the body was designed to do – MOVE.

We are proud to collaborate with The Foundation of Physical Therapy Research to advance evidence-based physical therapy and patient care. Together, we are taking healthy strides forward to promote active living and improved mobility!

Our poles are available through Urban Poling.com,  Amazon.com and select CVS stores.  For additional locations please visit our Find A Retailer or distributor to locate a store nearest you.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Diana Oliver
416.668.0116
405542@email4pr.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/urban-poling-inc-joins-foundation-for-physical-therapy-research-as-bronze-partner-302631398.html

SOURCE Urban Poling Inc.

TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Urban Poling Inc.- We are proud to announce that we are now the newest Bronze Partner in Research of The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. This partnership reflects our strong commitment to supporting evidence-based physical therapy and advancing research to optimize health outcomes for communities nationwide.

“We are honored to be partnered with the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research,” said Diana Oliver, Owner and CEO of Urban Poling Inc. “Evidence and supporting research have been paramount to the integrity of our products and educational programs since our company’s inception. Our commitment to research guides our approach to the industry, our partners, professionals, and end users. We believe deeply in the importance of the Foundation’s work.”

About the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is an independent, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to funding physical therapy research and developing researchers to optimize movement and health. For more than 45 years, the Foundation has awarded over $24 million in research grants, scholarships, and fellowships. As the research funding organization of APTA, it remains the only national nonprofit solely focused on supporting physical therapy research. Supporters of the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research who wish to learn more about Urban Poling Inc.’s accredited education programs for the physical therapy community are invited to connect with their team at info@urbanpoling.com and mention the Foundation. This educational opportunity is offered independently by Urban Poling Inc.

Urban Poling Inc. is dedicated to making rehabilitation accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual needs. Their support of the Foundation’s mission highlights a shared belief that research drives innovation, advances the physical therapy profession, and improves patient care through active living.

 “We are grateful to Urban Poling Inc. for becoming a Partner in Research and supporting our mission,” says Paul Rockar, PT, DPT, MS, FAPTA, President of the Foundation.  “We’re fortunate to receive support from companies like Urban Poling Inc. that understand the importance of investing in physical therapy research and advancing the evidence base for our profession.”

About Urban Poling Inc: Urban Poling Inc. is a global leader in the promotion of rehabilitation, fitness and wellness through specialized poles and programs which promote pole walking and pre-gait exercises. Known for its’ innovative Activator® Poles which were designed by an OT and gerontologist, Urban Poling Inc focuses on improving mobility, stability, and overall quality of life for all ages and stages but most especially individuals with balance disorders, neurological conditions, arthritis and those in post-surgical rehabilitation. The company’s products and programs are recommended by leading healthcare professionals worldwide, and Urban Poling Inc is dedicated to empowering people of all ages to live active, healthy lifestyles through doing what the body was designed to do – MOVE.

We are proud to collaborate with The Foundation of Physical Therapy Research to advance evidence-based physical therapy and patient care. Together, we are taking healthy strides forward to promote active living and improved mobility!

Our poles are available through Urban Poling.com,  Amazon.com and select CVS stores.  For additional locations please visit our Find A Retailer or distributor to locate a store nearest you.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Diana Oliver
416.668.0116
405542@email4pr.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/urban-poling-inc-joins-foundation-for-physical-therapy-research-as-bronze-partner-302631398.html

SOURCE Urban Poling Inc.

GUERNEVILLE, Calif., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Energy Toolbase and Napa-based EPC, BPi, successfully deployed three energy storage systems (ESS) at the world-renowned Korbel Winery in California. The installation is part of the winery’s broader commitment to advancing sustainability and integrating renewable energy across its operations.

Energy Toolbase and BPi installed three BYD battery systems integrated with the ETB Controller energy management system at Korbel Winery. The advanced energy storage system deployment is designed to reduce demand charges, navigate grid limitations, and optimize energy use under the region’s time-of-use (TOU) billing tariffs. The project also addresses a 980 kW AC export cap imposed by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) due to local substation constraints, enabling the site to maximize on-site renewable generation and deliver substantial energy cost savings.

BPi implemented a limited export control strategy using SEL-751 relays and inline contactors. Energy Toolbase, through ETB Controller with Acumen AI™, manages the BYD batteries in real time, in compliance with the parameters set by BPi in the SEL relays. The controls limit exports within the utility-defined cap and dynamically dispatch battery power to minimize costly demand spikes for the facility. Through Acumen AI’s dynamic economic dispatch strategy, ETB Controller optimizes the battery’s operation in real time to determine the most cost-effective dispatch strategy and maximize economic value without manual intervention. ETB Controller manages energy flow to shave the site’s peak demand, reduce utility bills, and maximize on-site energy generation for critical equipment like cold storage, wine-making systems, bottling lines, and compressors.

Energy Toolbase streamlined the procurement and commissioning process for BPi, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation. The project features 852 kW of rooftop solar across four buildings, paired with three BYD CHESS units, each rated at 120 kW / 266 kWh, for a total of 360 kW / 798 kWh of energy storage capacity.

“This project is a powerful example of how intelligent software paired with modular energy storage can overcome complex grid constraints while delivering immediate, measurable value,” said Kevin Mulvey, Vice President of Operations at Energy Toolbase. “Our collaboration with BPi was instrumental in successfully navigating the complex interconnection requirements and deploying a solution that’s already producing significant savings for Korbel.”

“Korbel Winery’s commitment to sustainability made them an ideal partner for this project. By combining rooftop solar with advanced battery storage and intelligent energy controls, we’ve created a system that not only reduces energy costs but also enhances operational resilience. It’s a strong example of how thoughtful engineering can overcome grid limitations and deliver long-term value.”
— Johann Smit, President, BPi

About Energy Toolbase

Energy Toolbase is an industry-leading software platform that provides a cohesive suite of project estimating, storage control, and asset monitoring products that enable solar and storage developers to deploy projects more efficiently. Visit www.energytoolbase.com to learn more.

Energy Toolbase is backed by its parent company, Pason Systems, a leading global provider of data management systems and controls automation software for the energy industry. With a global footprint and 40-year track record, Pason enjoys one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSI. For more information visit: https://www.pason.com.

About BPi

BPi is a full-service EPC (Engineering Procurement & Construction) contractor that equips properties with renewable energy systems and provides general contracting services to manage it all. BPi’s turnkey solutions unlock untapped potential by creating energy solutions for entities of any size and type. Delivered and maintained nationwide. For more information, please visit https://bpi-power.com/.

Media Contact:
Tracy Fosterling
(505) 803-2678
405806@email4pr.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-toolbase-and-bpi-implement-energy-storage-and-control-system-at-korbel-winery-302630876.html

SOURCE Energy Toolbase

GUERNEVILLE, Calif., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Energy Toolbase and Napa-based EPC, BPi, successfully deployed three energy storage systems (ESS) at the world-renowned Korbel Winery in California. The installation is part of the winery’s broader commitment to advancing sustainability and integrating renewable energy across its operations.

Energy Toolbase and BPi installed three BYD battery systems integrated with the ETB Controller energy management system at Korbel Winery. The advanced energy storage system deployment is designed to reduce demand charges, navigate grid limitations, and optimize energy use under the region’s time-of-use (TOU) billing tariffs. The project also addresses a 980 kW AC export cap imposed by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) due to local substation constraints, enabling the site to maximize on-site renewable generation and deliver substantial energy cost savings.

BPi implemented a limited export control strategy using SEL-751 relays and inline contactors. Energy Toolbase, through ETB Controller with Acumen AI™, manages the BYD batteries in real time, in compliance with the parameters set by BPi in the SEL relays. The controls limit exports within the utility-defined cap and dynamically dispatch battery power to minimize costly demand spikes for the facility. Through Acumen AI’s dynamic economic dispatch strategy, ETB Controller optimizes the battery’s operation in real time to determine the most cost-effective dispatch strategy and maximize economic value without manual intervention. ETB Controller manages energy flow to shave the site’s peak demand, reduce utility bills, and maximize on-site energy generation for critical equipment like cold storage, wine-making systems, bottling lines, and compressors.

Energy Toolbase streamlined the procurement and commissioning process for BPi, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation. The project features 852 kW of rooftop solar across four buildings, paired with three BYD CHESS units, each rated at 120 kW / 266 kWh, for a total of 360 kW / 798 kWh of energy storage capacity.

“This project is a powerful example of how intelligent software paired with modular energy storage can overcome complex grid constraints while delivering immediate, measurable value,” said Kevin Mulvey, Vice President of Operations at Energy Toolbase. “Our collaboration with BPi was instrumental in successfully navigating the complex interconnection requirements and deploying a solution that’s already producing significant savings for Korbel.”

“Korbel Winery’s commitment to sustainability made them an ideal partner for this project. By combining rooftop solar with advanced battery storage and intelligent energy controls, we’ve created a system that not only reduces energy costs but also enhances operational resilience. It’s a strong example of how thoughtful engineering can overcome grid limitations and deliver long-term value.”
— Johann Smit, President, BPi

About Energy Toolbase

Energy Toolbase is an industry-leading software platform that provides a cohesive suite of project estimating, storage control, and asset monitoring products that enable solar and storage developers to deploy projects more efficiently. Visit www.energytoolbase.com to learn more.

Energy Toolbase is backed by its parent company, Pason Systems, a leading global provider of data management systems and controls automation software for the energy industry. With a global footprint and 40-year track record, Pason enjoys one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSI. For more information visit: https://www.pason.com.

About BPi

BPi is a full-service EPC (Engineering Procurement & Construction) contractor that equips properties with renewable energy systems and provides general contracting services to manage it all. BPi’s turnkey solutions unlock untapped potential by creating energy solutions for entities of any size and type. Delivered and maintained nationwide. For more information, please visit https://bpi-power.com/.

Media Contact:
Tracy Fosterling
(505) 803-2678
405806@email4pr.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-toolbase-and-bpi-implement-energy-storage-and-control-system-at-korbel-winery-302630876.html

SOURCE Energy Toolbase

NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New Canaan Society (NCS), a national organization of men dedicated to growing in faith, family, and character, is experiencing a significant resurgence, with 54 active chapters and 18 in development across the country. Under the leadership of James J. Ackerman, an experienced turnaround CEO, NCS is expanding its outreach through innovative initiatives, including virtual chapter meetings, a digital tool kit for chapters, and an online speakers bureau.

“We’re thrilled to see the growth and momentum of NCS,” said Dr. Chip Roper, Chairman of the NCS Board. “For over 30 years, we’ve been building a national movement of men – honest, faith-driven, doing life together – to become better husbands, fathers, friends, and leaders.”

Ackerman, who became President and CEO of NCS in July 2025, brings extensive experience to his new role. His career spans over thirty years, with significant leadership roles in media, technology, and non-profit sectors. He previously served as a turnaround CEO of Prison Fellowship, led the strategic sale of Broadway Systems to Sintec Media, and, as CEO of Documentary Channel, supervised its sale to Participant Media, achieving a 19X return for preferred shareholders. He has also held senior roles at OpenTV, British Interactive Broadcasting, A&E Television Networks, and Grey Advertising. Originally from Los Angeles, he divides his time between NYC and South Carolina. James, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, is married to Martha and the father of grown children, Holden and Lily.

“NCS is addressing a critical need in the lives of men of all ages,” Mr. Ackerman notes. “Too many men walk through life isolated. Success on the outside, but silently struggling inside. At NCS, masks come off and truth gets told.”

To support recent growth, NCS has scheduled a Chapter Leadership Retreat in Orlando on February 27th – March 1st, featuring prominent speakers and an interactive panel discussion on launching and growing an NCS chapter.

NCS is a unique organization that brings men together in friendship and faith, encouraging them to become better versions of themselves. “We are not a church group or a men’s Bible study,” says James Ackerman. “We are more like a men’s faith movement, with a culture that greatly values good humor and having fun.”

For media inquiries, contact: Jerry Boak – jerry.boak@newcanaansociety.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-canaan-society-experiences-resurgence-of-growth-expands-outreach-with-innovative-initiatives-under-new-ceo-james-ackerman-302630287.html

SOURCE New Canaan Society

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DEEPX, an ultra-low-power on-device AI semiconductor company, is unveiling a next-generation robot intelligence platform co-developed with Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB. The controller platform has now progressed into the commercial validation stage for real-world deployment, in preparation for future mass-production, marking a key milestone toward the commercialization of Physical AI — enabling robots to operate autonomously without reliance on cloud connectivity.

DEEPX’s DX-M1 NPU has been integral to the robot development roadmaps of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB since 2023 and offers sub-5W power consumption, high-performance inference, and low latency. These properties make it suitable for indoor and outdoor service robots operating under strict power and thermal constraints.

In 2024, the teams developed a new controller architecture combining the DX-M1 with a dual wide- and narrow-angle ISP camera system and the LAB’s proprietary vision AI technology. This design allows robots to function reliably in network-restricted environments — including underground facilities, transportation hubs, and logistics centers — without depending on cloud services.

The DX-M1 also powers the LAB’s facial recognition system, Facey. Leveraging this foundation, the LAB’s DAL-e Delivery robot has already demonstrated recipient authentication, user identification, and guided interaction capabilities, paving the way for more advanced service-robot functions.

The next-generation robot intelligence platform from DEEPX, Hyundai Motor and the LAB will be presented at major global industry events starting in December and showcased publicly at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

Looking ahead, DEEPX will continue working with Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB to expand their collaboration, accelerating the development and deployment of Physical AI systems across manufacturing, logistics, mobility, and smart-city applications.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-motor-kias-robotics-lab-and-deepx-begin-commercialization-for-next-generation-on-device-ai-robot-platform-302631644.html

SOURCE DEEPX

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Skanska has divested the office complex Port7 in Prague, Czech Republic, for about EUR 130M, about SEK 1.4 billion. The buyer is AFI through its subsidiaries. The transaction will be recorded by Skanska Commercial Development Europe in the fourth quarter of 2025. The transfer of the properties is scheduled for the first half of 2026.

Located on the left bank of the Vltava River in Prague’s Holešovice district, Port7 comprises two phases and three office buildings with approximately 36,000 square meters of leasable space. The divestment of adjacent plots for future development is also part of this transaction. The fully leased office and retail spaces are home to companies from a wide range of industries including IT, media publishing, flexible workspace, insurance, advisory and engineering.

Port7 was completed in April 2023 and represents the transformation of a former brownfield into a vibrant riverside destination combining modern office buildings, public spaces, and community-driven amenities including restaurant, café and fitness center located on the ground floor of the buildings. The project has applied circular solutions, including the reuse of elements from a demolished Skanska building and delivers over 40 percent water savings against the LEED baseline. It achieves zero Scope 2 emissions for electricity by procuring guarantees of origin for 100 percent of its electricity consumption from renewable sources throughout construction and operation, and by installing photovoltaic panels on-site. The complex complies with Nearly Zero Energy Building standards level.

The buildings are certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum. Two of the buildings are also WELL Platinum certified, while the third is expected to obtain this certification within the next couple of months. In addition, the project has been awarded the Access4You certification for its accessibility.

For further information please contact:
Anna Wiśniewska, Vice President Communications and Marketing, Skanska  Commercial Development Europe, tel +48 797 019 460
Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska Group, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94
Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99

This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/skanska/r/skanska-divests-the-office-complex-port7-in-prague–czech-republic–for-about-eur-130m–about-sek-1-,c4276251

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skanska-divests-the-office-complex-port7-in-prague-czech-republic-for-about-eur-130m-about-sek-1-4-billion-302631613.html

SOURCE Skanska

Consumers and companies will take over from government regulation as the main drivers of sustainability initiatives in 2026, according to the CSO Futures community of sustainability leaders.

LONDON, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the US pushes back on sustainability reporting regulations and they face significant watering down across Europe, continued consumer demand plus the need for industry to become more resilient will become the main driving force motivating companies to be more sustainable.

Some senior sustainability leaders in the CSO Futures community even argue that current geopolitical trends will accelerate certain green initiatives as heightened uncertainty increases the need for companies to improve supply chain resilience.

Another major theme among the predictions is growing use of data and technology – including artificial intelligence (AI) – to reduce the reporting workload, identify opportunities for sustainability improvements and make better information available to customers.

These predictions are outlined in the CSO Futures 2026 Predictions Report published today, compiled from input from the CSO Futures audience of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) including the exclusive CSO Futures Sustainability Leaders Community.

Other predictions from the CSO Futures report include:

• Reporting rationalisation – companies will shift from ‘reporting for reporting’s sake’ to more rationalised reporting that focuses on the most material data and stakeholders
• Focus on sustainability ROI – sustainability leaders aim to translate concepts like ‘net zero’ and ‘climate resilience’ into concrete financial terms and commercial benefits
• Smarter use of tech – companies will use technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) to gain insights that improve company performance in addition to making progress toward sustainability goals
• Supply chain insights – customer demand for more accurate and detailed data on how products are made will drive companies to work to collect more accurate and granular supply chain data
• Localised perspectives – there will be a shift from the global view of sustainability to working on a more local basis where the impact of sustainability initiatives can be more visible
• Centres of excellence will spread – expertise will shift east as regions such as Asia and the Middle East continue to step up sustainability investment and innovation

CSO Futures CEO Daryl Willcox said: “While regulation remains important, many sustainability leaders in the CSO Futures community will not mourn the reduction in government tick-boxing  as it allows them to focus on initiatives that make a real difference to their customers, business resilience and the future of our planet.”

CSO Futures Chief Reporter and author of the report Melodie Michel added: “Regulatory news may have given the impression that sustainability was being put on the backburner this year, but those leading the corporate transformation are anything but disheartened. Extreme weather events and geopolitical uncertainty are forcing firms to face their vulnerabilities, and sustainability data and innovation have never been more advanced. Companies should leverage their Chief Sustainability Officers’ expertise, adaptability and influence in 2026: no one is better placed to help them stay relevant in an uncertain world.”

About CSO Futures

CSO Futures is the professional home for sustainability leaders. Launched in October 2023, CSO Futures is an independent publishing, community and events hub aimed specifically at senior sustainability leaders in large organisations. Built by a dedicated team of editorial, sustainability and community professionals CSO Futures is gaining a strong following across Europe and beyond among Chief Sustainability Officers and others close to this role.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sustainability-will-be-driven-by-private-sector-instead-of-government-in-2026-cso-futures-report-302630849.html

SOURCE CSO Futures

BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Towering like a pagoda, with scale-like leaves and roots gripping rocks, this tree stands upright on steep cliffs.

Thuja sutchuenensis is an endangered gymnosperm plant unique to China. Originating from the age of dinosaurs over 100 million years ago, it flourished during the Cretaceous period. Harboring irreplaceable genetic resources, it is known as the “plant giant panda.”

Thuja sutchuenensis was first discovered in 1892. Today, the peaks in Chongqing’s Kaizhou district, Chengkou county, Wuxi county and Sichuan Province’s Xuanhan county are the remaining habitats for this relic plant.

This area is located on the southern foothills of the Daba Mountains, in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, a crucial water conservation zone in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

In 1998, due to a lack of scientific records, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared Thuja sutchuenensis extinct. Later, local Chongqing researchers traversed mountains and rivers, rediscovering wild Thuja sutchuenensis trees on remote cliffs.

In a meeting on the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt held in early 2016, President Xi Jinping stressed “green development” of the region and said to restore ecological environment would be an overwhelming task.

From extinction to rediscovery

At an altitude of 1,600 meters lies Xinyuan Village, Dajin Township. On the mountain, there is a nearly 30-meter-tall Thuja suthuenensis tree that is 127 years old.

Yang Quan, former director of the Chongqing Xuebaoshan National Nature Reserve Management Affairs Center, explained that wild Thuja sutchuenensis only exists in a narrow area on the southern foothills of the Daba Mountains.

The deep gorges and high ridges of the mountains served as an “ark” during the Quaternary glaciation, preserving this ancient species.

As an ancient species, the Thuja sutchuenensis possesses a far greater ability to adapt to climate change and geographic transformation than ordinary plants, containing irreplaceable stress-resistant genes and holding significant scientific, ecological, and cultural value.

“In the past, who knew what the Thuja sutchuenensis was?” In Xiaoyuan Village, wood from the tree was used for construction and household items. During the peak of uncontrolled development, the annual timber harvest in the Kaizhou district exceeded 80,000 cubic meters.

“The mountains were so bald it looked like ‘favus,'” recalled Liu Xingxiang, an old forest farm worker. “Trucks lined up, loaded with logs, their tracks so deep, like a freshly plowed field.”

The extinction of Thuja sutchuenensis could trigger a “domino effect,” disrupting the entire ecosystem. Receiving national attention, the Xuebaoshan Nature Reserve was promptly established. It was later upgraded to a national reserve in 2012.

A shift in mindset

“The ecosystem is a unified natural system, an organic chain of interdependent and closely linked elements.”

In 2015, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council issued reform plans clarifying a comprehensive halt to commercial logging of natural forests nationwide by 2017. Key state-owned forest areas transitioned from development and utilization to comprehensive protection.

Chongqing has shouldered its responsibility. The Kaizhou district implemented “Three Bans”: banning logging of natural forests, banning commercial logging, and banning construction in protected areas. It processed dozens of illegal cases, holding people accountable. The rampant deforestation was reversed and the forest coverage rate in the Kaizhou district has increased by 4.7 percentage points since 2018.

Starting in 2020, the Kaizhou district implemented zoned management by delineating ecological protection red lines, accounting for 28.28 percent of the district’s land area.

Huang Jilan, head of the General Department of the Xuebaoshan Reserve, is a “third-generation forestry worker.” The elderly members in her family logged trees, now she protects them. “We need to ‘bring back’ the Thuja sutchuenensis trees we lost, one by one.”

Chen Zongbing, who once relied on logging for a living, became a ranger and eco-preservation promoter. “You know, the Thuja sutchuenensis is a treasure! Damaging it will land you in jail!”

Thuja sutchuenensis trees grow on perilous peaks. Reserve staff once conduct dangerous surveys as “cliff climbers.” Now, field surveys are assisted by drones and video surveillance. “We are also procuring LiDAR equipment to record detailed 3D data for each wild Thuja sutchuenensis tree,” Huang Jilan said.

To date, the reserve has discovered over 7,800 wild Thuja sutchuenensis trees, establishing China’s first regional resource database that maintains a standard of “one file per tree.” Neighboring Chengkou county also recently discovered an area of over 5,000 trees.

From local breeding to relocation protection, Thuja sutchuenensis is taking root across China. A total of 1,000 seedlings have traveled to Qamdo, the Xizang Autonomous Region, and survived their difficult first year.

In Changdao, Shandong Province, where even hardy pines struggled, Thuja sutchuenensis seedlings have a survival rate of over 80 percent.

Relocation preserves genetic diversity and taps into the tree’s great potential for ecological management due to its tenacious vitality and ability to fix soil in place.

Thuja sutchuenensis has begun to spread across China. From the high altitudes of Xizang to the coast of Shandong, from the Loess Plateau to Tianmu Mountain, it has been transplanted to 41 sites in 17 provinces.

With an average survival rate of over 70 percent, and excellent survivability in cold and dry conditions, it has become a preferred species for ecological restoration in fragile areas.

In May, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment promoted Thuja sutchuenensis conservation as a national achievement in biodiversity protection.

Institutional innovation and ecological dividends

Reforms and innovation are being promoted. Chongqing has achieved full coverage of a basin-wide horizontal ecological compensation mechanism for the mainstream of the Yangtze River and its major tributaries. It has integrated data from multiple departments into the “Bayu Water Governance” application, slashing the time it takes to discover problems.

These ecological dividends have benefited the people. In the Kaizhou district, villager Hu Youzhen returned home to work on Thuja sutchuenensis breeding, earning a stable income. Breeding bases have driven over 500 residents to find employment nearby, increasing average annual income by 30 percent.

The “green name card” attracts science camps, vegetable bases, and water factories. Ganquan Village was rated a “Beautiful and Leisure Village of China.” Authorities are now working on processing ecological products and seedling industry projects.

The total output value of Chongqing’s forestry industry reached 178.05 billion yuan ($25 billion) in 2024.

A new generation takes root

Wang Lei, a graduate from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, gave up a white-collar job to join the Xuebaoshan Reserve. “Guarding this ‘living plant fossil’ is a weighty mission.”

Recognizing the cause, “post-1990” talents Wu Hao and Cai Songyu married local women of Kaizhou, putting down roots in the mountains.

If people do not fail the green mountains, the green mountains will surely not fail the people.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-the-rebirth-of-thuja-sutchuenensis-ancient-tree-species-being-preserved-as-ecological-protection-gains-speed-302631232.html

SOURCE Global Times

Camera Network and Regional Partnerships Strengthen Dust Management

DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is expanding its dust-monitoring capabilities and working closely with regional partners to better understand and address dust (particulate matter-PM10) challenges in the Coachella Valley. Strong desert winds routinely generate and carry dust across the region, affecting air quality, public health and quality of life.

South Coast AQMD has installed a high-resolution environmental camera in San Jacinto State Park that uses imagery and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported analysis to track dust emissions and movement in the northwestern Coachella Valley. A second camera, operated by UC San Diego, as part of the Alert California and HPWREN* network is located on Toro Peak overlooking the area from Indio to the north Salton Sea shore. A third camera is planned for the eastern portion of the valley to expand dust tracking data.

“I have been working with South Coast AQMD on increased airborne dust since Hurricane Hilary, and these two cameras are new steps in these efforts,” said V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Supervisor and South Coast AQMD Governing Board member. “They will help us pinpoint where the dust is coming from and allow us to focus remediation efforts.”

South Coast AQMD is also working with UC Riverside to guide targeted dust-mitigation actions with field measurements, satellite analysis, and computer modeling. Information gathered from the cameras will supplement this work, to develop more precise strategies to reduce dust emissions and improve regional air quality. Real-time images from the cameras will be accessible to the public through the Coachella Valley Dust Monitoring website so residents can track local dust conditions. 

On November 6, South Coast AQMD and Supervisor V. Manuel Perez hosted a Dust Summit featuring community input, scientific presentations, and updates on current and future dust-mitigation efforts to address the challenges in the Coachella Valley. The presentations delivered during the Dust Summit are available at www.aqmd.gov/dustsummit. In October, the South Coast AQMD Board approved a three-part dust-reduction plan focusing on identifying major dust sources, developing targeted mitigation strategies, and funding projects to reduce emissions in the most affected areas.

The installation of these cameras is another step towards actions to reduce dust while medium and longer-term solutions advance.

For more information on the Coachella Valley dust monitoring cameras, including access to real-time imagery, please visit: www.aqmd.gov/cvcameras.

*High Performance Wireless Research and Education Network 

South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. For news, air quality alerts, event updates and more, please visit us at www.aqmd.gov, download our award-winning app, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

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SOURCE SOUTH COAST AQMD