Bird Award Contest with Chongqing the Eagle City

The Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation (CLICF) and hosted by the Southern California Chinese Economic and Cultural Association and its Chairman Dong Ping Huang held a series of events.  The events promoted cross-cultural exchange and dialogue among youth and adults through people-to-people ties while sharing the goals of conservation and sustainability awareness.

Dr. Mark Rafter known in the American Chinese Community as “Marco” was invited by long time friend Dong Ping Huang who hosted CLICF to spend several days with the new friends from Chongqing and while driving around playing the Modern Day Marco Polo Tour Guide was provided time to share his constant belief that, “as goes the US-China relationship, so goes peace of the world. It is vital for the US and China not just government to government or business to business but greater is people to people. The youth are the future of building two way bridges.”  Dr. Marco took the group out to Orange County Bird of Prey Center located at 25422 Trabuco Road #105-541 Lake Forest, California. Where the Chongqing group met Student Officers from the bird club at Portola High School. There were some presentations, pictures and a warm gift exchange. This warm mutual friendship with a common respect for bird conservation and cultural exchange remained a strong theme throughout the time the Chongqing group was here in California

The following day the group attended the San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary Learning Center on the property of the Irvine Water District at 5 Riparian View, Irvine California. There were several presentations by officers including a live bird demonstration. Dr. Mark, who is an international professor stated, “…this is the future when our youth come together with their counterparts and begin new friendships, learning from established bird conservation experts and volunteers in an exchange they can carry back to China.

The final day of the visit culminated in the U.S. Award Ceremony of the “Eagle City: China-U.S. Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest” at Greentree Elementary School in Irvine, California. Deputy Secretary-General of the Luhai Foundation (and private Chinese non-profit), Chen Can, emphasized, “People-to-people exchange is the cornerstone of China-U.S. friendship, and youth are our hope for the future. When the green mountains of Chongqing meet the sunshine of California, and when migratory birds from both nations echo each other, we see not only ecological connections but a vivid reflection of our shared destiny.”

Dongping Huang , President of the Southern California Chinese Economic and Cultural Association, emphasized, “This competition is not only a showcase of creativity, but also a bridge for young people from China and the U.S. to understand ecology and engage in dialogue with the world. We hope more youth will join the effort to protect biodiversity.”

The event featured a screening of the “Eagle City” promotional video, highlighting Chongqing’s harmony between people and nature, which resonated with American attendees. For those who do not know, Chongqing, China is the world’s largest city of approximaelet 36 million people and located in the central area of China. It is a mountainous city between two rivers and the place in the entire world where the most eagles gather. Chongqing has spent years learning to incorporate conservation of natural resources and sustainable development.

The Chongqing delegation, including Chen Can, project coordinator Li Nanxin, cultural exchange center director Li Hui, and youth representative Zhao Yifan, visited key conservation organizations in Southern California such as the Audubon Society (OC Chapter), Southern California Bluebird Club, International Bird Rescue, and the Orange County Raptor Center. They exchanged ideas on biodiversity protection, avian rescue, public education, and youth engagement, exploring opportunities for international collaboration on raptor conservation.

Youth dialogue was a highlight of the tour, with the delegation presenting themed exhibitions and student showcase events at Foothill High School, Irvine High School, and Portola High School. Chen Can shared the story of ecological protection in Chongqing, while Zhao Yifan discussed her creative process for her award-winning piece. American students wrote and exchanged over 300 friendship cards with their Chinese peers, pledging to continue their eco dialogue through correspondence—planting the seeds of conservation in the fertile soil of cultural exchange.

The event received support from local elected officials. Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner sent a letter of appreciation, commending the Luhai Foundation’s role in fostering U.S.-China cultural ties. Irvine City Councilmember Kathleen Treseder, represented by Austin Dick, delivered remarks welcoming Chinese youth to the U.S. and encouraging joint exploration of nature and biodiversity protection.

Yifan Zhao shared her reflection: “Visiting American bird conservation groups has shown me that just like migratory birds transcend borders, so must our efforts to protect them.” American student awardee Joshua Lin Sherman echoed this sentiment, calling for community-wide action: “From schools to neighborhoods, from watching one bird to protecting entire forests—everyone has a role in ecological protection.”

At the award ceremony, top prizes were announced, recognizing youth contributions in smart birdhouse design, urban wetland planning, bird-themed educational games, and more—demonstrating the diversity and creativity of cross-cultural visions for bird-friendly cities. Dr. Mark again noted the contributions of youth to the future. YiChen Xiang, who received an award and gave a powerful speech and is an example of the younger generation making strong contributions to all our future as he has invented a plasma rocket engine and will be participating in basic training with the United States Army this summer. YiChen’s mother is a famous Chinese opera singer with an amazing voice.

The ceremony also featured lively performances and had several celebrities, actor and film producer Alan Azoulay who participated in presenting awards and graciously took time for pictures with many of the award winners and their mothers.

Organizers hope the Eagle City initiative will continue to use birds as a bridge between nations, transforming creative exchange into an ecological awakening that fosters friendship and consensus among the next generation.