“City of Eagles” Inspires Bird-Friendly Action in Silicon Valley Through China-U.S. Youth Exchange
CUPERTINO, Calif., July 14 — A youth-led environmental initiative from Chongqing, China, is helping strengthen ecological cooperation between China and the United States through bird conservation and youth engagement.
At an award ceremony held in Cupertino, the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, Mayor Kitty Moore received a traditional Chinese paper-cut artwork symbolizing “City of Eagles,” an ecological initiative that has become a platform for cross-cultural dialogue on biodiversity and sustainable development.
The event celebrated the U.S. winners of the Second China-U.S. Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Competition, jointly organized by the Chongqing Land-Sea International Communication Foundation, Cedar Nature Society (USA), and the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance. Chinese and American students shared their environmental projects, demonstrating how youth innovation can contribute to protecting migratory birds and building bird-friendly communities.
American Youth Respond Through Creativity
Since the competition launched in late 2025, more than 510 entries from American students have been submitted, including artwork, videos, research projects and design concepts addressing local environmental challenges.
Many award-winning projects proposed practical solutions such as bird-safe window decals, wetland restoration plans and community education campaigns.
“Birds play an essential role in our ecosystems by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds and controlling pests,” said student Amaya Ahuja, calling on young people to take action to protect wildlife and biodiversity.
Competition judge and conservation expert Shani Kleinhaus praised the participants for demonstrating environmental awareness and leadership at an early age.
“Every project reflects hope for the future,” she said. “Even very young children are already thinking about how they can make their communities more sustainable.”
Chinese Youth Share Innovative Conservation Solutions
Chinese students introduced a series of innovative projects developed through volunteer service and environmental education.
Xu Anran presented Urban Bird Whisperer, an AI-powered mobile application that enables the public to identify bird species and upload observations, creating a digital biodiversity monitoring network accessible to everyone.
Lu Jingchao shared his volunteer experience cleaning more than 70 kilograms of marine debris and transforming recycled waste into floating ecological islands that provide safe resting habitats for migratory birds.
Other young participants introduced projects ranging from habitat mapping and barrier-free birdwatching facilities to community tree planting, waste reduction and environmental education, illustrating how local action can contribute to global biodiversity conservation.
Local Leaders Recognize International Cooperation
Mayor Kitty Moore praised the competition for empowering young people to inspire environmental awareness through creativity.
“Art can accomplish what policy alone cannot,” she said. “A birdhouse, a wetland design or even a story can inspire people to care about nature and demonstrate real leadership.”
She added that learning about Chongqing’s City of Eagles initiative and its bird conservation efforts had already inspired conversations within Cupertino, describing the growing partnership between Silicon Valley and Chongqing as an encouraging example of international environmental cooperation.
The Chongqing Land-Sea International Communication Foundation also received official recognition from the Office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga for promoting ecological exchange between Chinese and American youth. Certificates were presented to participating students in recognition of their contributions to building bird-friendly communities.
During the ceremony, the foundation presented a Bird-Friendly Organization Flag to the Cedar Nature Society and gifted traditional Chinese paper-cut artworks to local officials as symbols of friendship, cultural exchange and shared environmental responsibility.
Building a Shared Future for Nature
Cupertino Vice Mayor Liang-Fang “Liang” Chao welcomed the growing cooperation, saying bird conservation provides a meaningful platform for China-U.S. collaboration.
Earlier this year, Cedar Nature Society founder Joyce Zhang visited Chongqing, where she explored restored wetlands, ecological villages and raptor conservation sites. Inspired by China’s community-based conservation efforts, she introduced the City of Eagles concept to Silicon Valley, connecting it with local initiatives in wetland protection, environmental education and bird-friendly urban planning.
“The idea resonates because it is authentic and community-driven,” Zhang said. “Young people on both sides of the Pacific are using creativity to protect birds—and, ultimately, the shared home of all humanity.”
Through art, innovation and volunteerism, the City of Eagles initiative is evolving from a local conservation program in Chongqing into an international platform that encourages young people to work together for biodiversity conservation and a more sustainable future.
