Shanghai is gearing up for the 10th Shanghai International Nature Conservation Festival, set to kick off on Oct 19 with an array of environmental protection initiatives and science outreach activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering a culture of conservation.

As part of the conservation week festivities, 39 environmental education centers and 90 environmental protection facilities will throw open their doors to the public for guided tours and interactive sessions, continuing the annual tradition of science popularization that commenced in 2015.

The festival will start with a grand opening ceremony at the scenic Neo Bay in Minhang district on Oct 19, featuring a lineup of engaging events. The highlight of the day will be the Celebrity Lecture, which will bring together renowned experts from both domestic and international spheres to share invaluable experiences and insights on nature conservation with the public.

Under the theme "Our Ocean, Our Island", a series of captivating science popularization activities will transport participants to the coastal wetlands of Chongming Island, where marine ecologists will regale audiences with tales underscoring the critical importance of preserving biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

Meanwhile, at the Chenshan Botanical Garden in Songjiang district, attendees can look forward to the premiere of the documentary Forests in the City. Simultaneously, a host of science outreach activities will unfold at botanical gardens, forest parks, and nature reserves scattered across the city.

Nature enthusiasts and photography aficionados are in for a treat with the unveiling of a photo exhibition showcasing wild birds at the Neo Bay Library in Minhang district. The exhibition, which will run through Oct 25, features a curated selection of 100 striking images culled from a pool of 1,309 submissions worldwide.

A series of award-winning science films spotlighting China's rare species will be screened free of charge at various community centers and schools throughout the city. These films offer a unique opportunity for audiences to gain insights into the lives of China's rare and endangered animals in their natural habitats, further underscoring the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding biodiversity.