Ping An Leads "Ancient Tree Guardian Action" and Green Finance Innovation

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China has launched a landmark biodiversity initiative, the “Ancient Tree Guardian Action,” at the 30th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil. This initiative integrates insurance solutions, advanced technology, and community involvement to create a long-term preservation system for ancient and notable trees across China, demonstrating Ping An’s leadership in climate action and biodiversity conservation.

Protecting Ancient Trees with Innovation

China is home to approximately 5.08 million ancient trees, which are invaluable for their ecological, historical, and scientific significance. However, these trees face increasing risks from climate change, pest infestations, and limited maintenance resources. The dispersed locations of these trees, combined with challenges in quantifying their ecological and cultural value, make it difficult for traditional insurance models to offer comprehensive protection.

To tackle these challenges, Ping An has introduced an innovative "Insurance + Technology" model. By leveraging big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), Ping An is able to monitor tree growth, location, and risk patterns. In 2023, Ping An launched Guangdong’s first ancient-tree insurance programme, which offers a comprehensive system covering pre-disaster prevention, emergency response, and post-disaster compensation.

Expansion and Technological Integration

By October 2025, Ping An had provided over RMB 700 million (about USD 98 million) in coverage for more than 55,000 ancient trees across China. Technology plays a central role in this initiative, with IoT devices and environmental sensors continuously monitoring tree health, soil moisture, and air quality. The real-time data collected is sent to a cloud-based system that generates visualisations and alerts for caretakers, ensuring trees receive timely care.

Ping An’s proprietary "EagleX" system also plays a key role. Combining remote sensing, meteorology, big data, and AI, EagleX monitors extreme weather, floods, typhoons, and other risks, delivering timely warnings to prevent damage. This proactive approach goes beyond post-disaster compensation, significantly reducing potential losses.

Community Engagement and Eco-Tourism

In addition to technological advancements, Ping An is also engaging communities through educational programs, photography exhibitions, and public awareness campaigns on biodiversity. In 2025, Ping An launched the "Travel with Ancient Trees" eco-tourism initiative, creating travel routes that highlight ancient trees and reach 250 million users via the “Auto Owner” app. This initiative not only raises environmental awareness but also stimulates local green economies, reinforcing Ping An's commitment to combining conservation with social impact.

Green Finance Strategy

Ping An has positioned the "Ancient Tree Guardian Action" as a central element of its broader green finance strategy. The company provides insurance coverage for carbon-storing ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and marine environments. By the end of 2024, Ping An’s Carbon Sink Insurance programme will have expanded to 18 provinces and municipalities, providing robust financial support for ecological protection.

Ping An has further strengthened its green finance initiatives across its insurance, banking, and investment arms. As of June 30, 2025, Ping An’s green investments totalled RMB 144.482 billion (approximately USD 20 billion), green loan balances reached RMB 251.746 billion (about USD 35.3 billion), and green insurance premiums for the first three quarters amounted to RMB 55.279 billion (around USD 7.7 billion).

A Commitment to Sustainable Development

Chen Yao, General Manager of Ping An Group’s Brand Department, emphasised the company’s ongoing commitment to green finance innovation. "Ping An will continue to promote innovation in green finance, aiming to develop a wider range of green insurance and investment products. We look forward to collaborating with international partners to support sustainable development and environmental preservation," he said.

Through its pioneering efforts in both biodiversity conservation and green finance, Ping An is setting new standards for integrating sustainability into business practices, making a significant contribution to global environmental goals.