We firmly believe the environmental issues cannot be addressed without extensive public participation, but people need to be informed before they can get involved.

The quote, "We firmly believe the environmental issues cannot be addressed without extensive public participation, but people need to be informed before they can get involved," comes from Ma Jun, a prominent Chinese environmentalist, journalist, and founder of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPEA). Ma Jun is widely recognized for his advocacy for environmental transparency, citizen engagement, and corporate accountability. This quote reflects his conviction that effective environmental protection requires the active involvement of informed citizens.

At its core, Ma Jun is emphasizing that public participation is essential for tackling environmental challenges. He argues that governments and organizations alone cannot solve complex issues such as pollution, climate change, and resource management; citizens must be engaged in monitoring, advocacy, and decision-making processes to ensure accountability and sustainable outcomes.

The quote also highlights the importance of information and education. Ma Jun stresses that people can only participate meaningfully if they are well-informed about environmental risks, regulations, and data. His work with the IPEA has focused on making pollution data and environmental performance of companies publicly accessible, empowering citizens to take action and influence policy.

In summary, this quote serves as both a philosophical principle and a practical guideline. Ma Jun underscores that effective environmental protection relies on a combination of citizen engagement and access to information. It highlights the crucial role of transparency, education, and active public involvement in creating a more sustainable and accountable society.