The global collaborative environmental initiative by Mastercard has established a brand new site in China to help restore local biodiversity and natural resources.
Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition (PPC) has initiated a new reforestation project in Yuxi, Yunnan Province, China, as part of its global environmental sustainability efforts.
The main goals of this initiative are to restore biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and improve water security in the region. The payment provider will collaborate with Conservation International (CI) and the Yunnan Green Environment Development Foundation to achieve those goals.
The project aims to plant 150,000 native trees across a 100-hectare area in the Anhua Township of Yuxi City during its first phase. Over the next five years, PPC in Yunnan is expected to capture approximately 3,000 tons of CO₂, strengthen forest integrity, and create favorable habitats for local wildlife.
Yunnan Province is recognized as China’s most biodiverse region, making it a strategic location for conservation efforts. The PPC’s initiative in Yuxi not only contributes to environmental restoration but also supports the local community by improving freshwater supplies and promoting ecological stability.
The launch event was attended by representatives from local government bodies and partner organizations, including several major banks and businesses.
“We are delighted to join our partners to witness the new starting point of Mastercard’s PPC in Yunnan. Together, we will enhance the region’s biodiversity and strengthen the climate resilience of local forest ecosystems and communities through scientific restoration of forests. Additionally, the project will provide valuable references and insights into forest restoration and sustainable management in southwestern China,” said Liu Xiaohai, chief representative, Beijing Office, CI.
The Priceless Planet Coalition initiative was founded by Mastercard in partnership with Conservation International and the World Resources Institute. It aims to restore 100 million trees globally. The coalition comprises over 150 partners who fund forest restoration through various campaigns. For instance, they may be encouraging consumer donations at points of sale, using loyalty points for tree restoration, or donating after consumers opt for paperless statements or purchase certain products. This project aligns with Mastercard’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and showcases the power of collaborative efforts in addressing global ecological challenges.
The site in Yuxi is not the first PPC project in China. In 2022, the coalition expanded its reforestation initiatives to Hainan Province, aiming to plant 460,000 mangrove trees within the year, increase forest cover, help protect biodiversity, safeguard ecosystem services, and increase climate resilience for nature and local communities.
Like many countries in the world, China has experienced significant deforestation due to rapid industrialization, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. This led to soil erosion, desertification, and a decrease in biodiversity. Northern regions of China, particularly areas near the Gobi Desert, face the most risks due to insufficient forest cover. As of recent estimates, China’s forest cover is around 23,8%, which is lower than the global average (~31%). The government has set ambitious reforestation goals to increase forest coverage to 24.1% by the end of 2025 and 26% by 2035.
