China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
CBCGDF’s Efforts in Biodiversity Conservation
CONNENTS ...... 1 1. Sustainable communities: Community Conservation Area for (CCAfa) ...... 3 2. Conserve Biodiversity Via Environmental Public Interest Litigations (EPIL) ...... 4 Typical Case: Acer Pentaphyllum – China’s first EPIL to protected an Endangered Plant ...... 4 Typical Case: Environmental Public Interest Litigation filed by CBCGDF to Safeguard General Public's Free Passage and Rights of Enjoying Beautiful Environment" Accepted by Local Court ...... 5 Typical Case: Tengger Desert Pollution ...... 6 XINHUA News Report: China's desert pollution case settled by mediation ...... 6 ELI’s news report: A Key Victory for Citizen Suits in China ...... 7 ChinaDaily Reports: Tengger case shows even big firms can't escape penalty for polluting ...... 9 Typical Case: Changzhou Polluted School ...... 10 CRI Reports: Chinese NGO to raise money after lawsuit failure against chemical plants ...... 10 Typical Case: EPIL on Polluted School Running Tracks ...... 11 Sixth Tones Reports: Children Sick From Another Toxic Running Track, Say Parents ...... 12 Xinhua News Reports: Landmark environmental group legal victory over toxic school tracks ...... 13 3.Ecological education and mainstream biodiversity：Green Great and Green Youth ...... 14 4. Scientific and policy research: China Pangolin Research Center & Biology and Science Ethics (BASE) Committee ...... 14 5.Policy Advocacy: “Beat Plastic” actions and “wilderness” promotion ...... 15 6. Suggesting Putting Biodiversity Conservation into China’s Constitution ...... 16 ZHOU Jinfeng Suggests Amending China's Constitution by Replacing "Planting Trees" with "Conserving Biodiversity" ...... 16 7. Strengthen global partnerships ...... 20 8. Agriculture and biodiversity: Collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations ...... 21 9. Climate resilience through “Campus Conservation Areas” ...... 21 10. Poverty alleviation: Collaboration with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) during the Bamboo and Rattan Congress (BARC) ...... 22 11. Rescuing Spotted Seal: Failed Protected Areas? ...... 23 Global Times reports: 100 baby seals stolen from breeding ground in NE China, 1/3 die in poor treatment ...... 24 12.Big data for life below water : FDY Fish Protection Center ...... 25 13.North Korea conservation ...... 26 14. Sustainable Consumption: Good Food Fund & Bluefin Tuna ...... 27 15. Ecological Belts & Roads (EBRs) and cooperative international organizations ...... 27 16. Clean Water and Sanitation ...... 29
1 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
17. Circular Economy & Green Design ...... 29 18. Promoting the Use of modern technology, big data and blockchains into Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework ...... 29 Typical Case:
2 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
1. Sustainable communities: Community Conservation Area for (CCAfa)
CCAfa system is the acronym for “Community Conservation Area for something at somewhere”. It supports robust engagement of civil societies, citizens, private sectors and academia to work together in conservation, which bridges the gap of fragmented habitats. CCAfa is an important system introduced by the CBCGDF. CCAfa has a wide coverage, with protected objects include but not limit to dozens of endangered fauna and flora species, migratory birds, dark sky, ancient trees, cultural relics and historic heritages, coral reefs, etc. It takes a holistic approach towards conservation include but not limit to: establish partnership with local communities, grassroot NGOs, local governments, private sector and other stakeholders.
The first CCAfa in China was founded on April 18, 2016, to protect great bustard in Chang Yuan, Henan Province. It is the beginning of CBCGDF’s process of setting up conservation area across the country. We are devoted to establishing more conservation areas covering flora and fauna, cultural relics and ecological system.
For the past 2 years, the CCAfa has been proved working very well as a supplementary protected area mechanism to China’s existing national protected areas system. As of now, about 110 CCAfas were established nationwide to fully mobilize and rally the government and folk efforts to jointly contribute to the cause of protecting biological diversity among many others.
Community conservation Areas (CCAfa) is a unique protected area mechanism to protect fragmented habitats. Launched in 2016 by the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), it's a type of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and turned out to be very effective in mobilizing public participation and grassroot NGOs in biodiversity conservation. Different from governmental established Protected Areas, the CCAfa takes a bottom-up approach. It's community-based and largely depend on volunteers. With the aim of conducting targeted approaches to protect endangered species of fauna and flora, historical relics, cultural sites, etc., it mobilizes all- stakeholders’ efforts in conservation.
Examples of current CCAfas include: - Community Conservation Area for Ili Pika at Jinghe. - Community Conservation Area for Ancient Jujube Trees at Xinzheng. - Community Conservation Area for ancient village conservation at Maggu. - Community Conservation Area for Finless Porpoise conservation at Tongling. - Community Conservation Area for Yangtze River Dolphin conservation at Anhui. - Community Conservation Area for Pangolin at Guangxi - Community Conservation Area for Great Bustard at Changyuan
3 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
2. Conserve Biodiversity Via Environmental Public Interest Litigations (EPIL)
Environmental public interest litigations (EPIL) are legal actions brought by social organizations on behalf of the public against activities that cause environmental pollution, ecological damage and public interest harm.
Before the revised Environmental Protection Law took into effect in Jan. 1st 2015, Environmental Public Interest Litigation (EPIL) in China experienced a long and hard journey. That was due to the lack of legal basis. Previously, there is hardly any room for social organizations to file lawsuits against polluting companies on behalf of public interest. Since Jan. 1, 2015, China’s Environmental Protection Law (Article 58) to allow cases involving accusations of pollution by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on behalf of public interest, as long as they are registered and can demonstrate that they have been actively concerned with environmental issues for five years before their suits are filed.
Since then, CBCGDF began to explore the area and became a national pioneer in EPIL. The non-profit organization had a bumpy ride in exploration of environmental justice since the new law taken into effect. And China’s Superior People’s Court made a historical decision to order a lower court to accept one of its EPIL case that was previously been rejected. EPIL has proven to be very effective on environmental protection, public environmental remedies and sustainable social development.
CBCGDF’s efforts in protecting the country’s environment and safeguarding the people’s environmental justice have been well recognized by the nation. By far, more than 50% such cases initiated by civil society were filed by the CBCGDF, among which a couple of cases were selected as Classic EPIL Case by the country’s Supreme People’s Court.
Typical Case: Acer Pentaphyllum – China’s first EPIL to protected an Endangered Plant
To protect an endangered plant called “Acer pentaphyllum Diels” against a hydroelectric power company, CBCGDF sued the company for potential risk in destroying the plant’s native habitats. This is the first EPIL for an endangered plant.
4 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Typical Case: Environmental Public Interest Litigation filed by CBCGDF to Safeguard General Public's Free Passage and Rights of Enjoying Beautiful Environment" Accepted by Local Court
On January 24, 2019, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) filed an Environmental Public Interest Litigation (EPIL) against Guizhou Hongde Real Estate Co., Ltd., for its illegally construction and operation of golf courses, which damages ecological environment and infringes the general public's "Free Passage and Rights of Enjoying a Beautiful Environment". This lawsuit has been formally accepted by the Qingzhen Environmental Resources Trial Chamber in southwestern China's Guizhou Province.
The story dated back to November 2018, when the Beijing-based NGO received help messages from local people complaining the Guizhou Hongde Real Estate has illegally built golf courses in Wudang District, Dongfeng Town, Guiyang City, which hindered the lives of local people and caused serious damage to the surrounding ecological environment.
Actually, this is not an isolated story. Although golf courses were listed in China's Catalogue of Prohibited Land Use Projects since 2006, many Chinese real estate companies driven by huge profits have been building such high-end sites at the expense of public resources. This practice is not sustainable in the background of Eco-Civilization, in which land and resources conservation and intensive management are urgently needed.
After careful on-site investigations and survey, the CBCGDF found that the company took the major local river (named Yuliang River/渔梁河) for its own use. Public access from some parts of the river was blocked by the construction project.
In order to safeguard public environmental rights and interests, the CBCGDF filed environmental public interest litigation with the Environmental Resources Trial Court of Qingzhen, Guizhou Province, demanding the defendant:
(1) To immediately stop the construction and operation of golf courses;
(2) To take effective measures to eliminate the risk of damage to the ecological environment caused by the construction and operation of golf courses,
(3) To immediately dismantle all golf courses facilities which occupy both sides of the Yuliang River;
(4) To make room for public space on both sides of the river according to laws and regulations, and to
5 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
guarantee the right of free passage of the public and the right to enjoy a beautiful environment; and to remove obstacles affecting the free passage of the public.
The Qingzhen Environmental Resources Trial Chamber has formally accepted this lawsuit. This case is a totally new type of EPIL in the pursuit of protect people's rights on free passage to public resources and to enjoy a pleasant environment. The significance of this case will provide a sample for future judicial practices and further theoretical studies the definition of "Environmental Rights", as well as to provide best practice on the constitutionalization of Environmental Rights.
Typical Case: Tengger Desert Pollution
XINHUA News Report: China's desert pollution case settled by mediation 1
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-28 19:50:16|Editor: ying
YINCHUAN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- A high-profile public interest litigation case about pollution in China's Tengger Desert was settled by mediation on Monday, with the polluters agreeing to provide an environmental fund.
Following mediation by Zhongwei Intermediate People's Court in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, eight polluting firms sued by an environmental group agreed to make public apologies and provide a fund of 6 million yuan (900,000 U.S. dollars) to protect the environment.
The court found that the eight Ningxia-based companies dumped unprocessed waste in the Tengger Desert, polluting nearby soil.
The polluters started overhauls and began restoring the affected environment, at a total cost of 569 million yuan, after their acts were exposed by environmental watchdogs in February 2015. Their work has been checked and accepted by environmental authorities.
The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation lodged a public interest litigation case against the polluters in August 2015 but the Zhongwei court refused to hear the case. The foundation appealed the decision to the Higher People's Court of Ningxia and was rejected. In early 2016, the Supreme People's Court ruled that the Zhongwei court should take the case.
1 Xinhua: China's desert pollution case settled by mediation (2017.8) http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-08/28/c_136562563.htm 6 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
The court's conciliation statement said the foundation's goals to require the firms to stop pollution, eliminate pollution risks, invite qualified conservators and pass official assessment have been achieved.
Three of the companies should continue to restore affected groundwater, according to the statement.
China's environmental protection law, revised in 2014, introduced public interest litigation and expanded the definition of who can be the plaintiff in these cases.
ELI’s news report: A Key Victory for Citizen Suits in China2
Monday, March 26, 2018 By Zhuoshi Liu, Staff Attorney; Director, China Program
On August 28, 2017, the Intermediate Court of Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, approved the mediation agreements reached between China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (GDF) and eight polluters involved in the Tengger Desert pollution case, ending one of China’s most significant environmental public interest cases.
The case, filed two years prior by GDF, an environmental NGO, was significant for two reasons. First, at the appellate stage of this case, the country’s highest appellate body clarified the statutory requirement for NGOs’ standing in environmental public interest cases, potentially making it easier for NGOs to sue. Second, this case lead to an environmental repair and restoration bill with the amount of RMB 575,000,000 (about USD 91 million), which is the largest so far achieved in an environmental public interest case in China.
Background China's Tengger Desert (Photo: Evgeni Zotov)
GDF filed suit on August 13, 2015, at the Intermediate Court of Zhongwei City, alleging that Ningxia Ruitai Technologies Co., Ltd., and seven other chemical firms illegally discharged untreated industrial wastewater to a remote area in Tengger Desert and caused serious environmental harm to soil and groundwater. Among other claims, GDF requested the trial court to order the defendants to stop polluting and pay funds to repair the contaminated sites. The trial court dismissed the case on the ground that GDF did not have standing to sue under the Environmental Protection Law (EPL).
In January 2015, China amended its EPL to authorize eligible NGOs to file public interest cases against polluters. Under the EPL, an eligible plaintiff NGO shall: (1) be registered at a civil affairs authority at or above prefecture level; (2) focus on public interest environmental protection activities; and (3) have no law violation records for at least five consecutive years. The statute did not provide a clear definition of “public interest environmental protection activities.” By August 2015, when GDF sued, the courts had not reached
2 A Key Victory for Citizen Suits in China (2018.3.26) https://www.eli.org/vibrant-environment-blog/key-victory-citizen-suits-china 7 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
a consensus on that issue.
The trial court interpreted the second criterion very narrowly. It argued that to meet that criterion, an NGO’s articles of incorporation must provide that the organization’s purpose is to engage in public interest environmental protection activities. It found that GDF’s articles of incorporation failed to do so. The court concluded that the organization did not have standing to sue, while nonetheless recognizing that GDF had been active in environmental public engagement, public interest litigation, and other environmental protection activities since 1985. GDF appealed to the High Court of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which sustained the trial court’s decision. GDF then appealed to the Supreme People’s Court (SPC), China’s highest appellate body, in late 2015.
China’s Supreme Court: NGO Standing Requirement Shall Be Liberally Interpreted
Realizing that the High Court’s narrow interpretation of the statutory standing requirement may discourage public interest litigation and thereby erode environmental accountability, the SPC quickly accepted the case.
On January 29, 2016, the SPC reversed the decision of the High Court and remanded to the trial court. The SPC opinion provided that in deciding whether an organization focuses on public interest environmental protection activities, a court shall not restrict its analysis to the organization’s articles of incorporation. Rather, a court shall liberally read the statute and consider three factors: (1) if an organization’s purpose or scope of business includes promoting environmental public interests; (2) if the organization actually engages in environmental public interest activities; and (3) if the public interests promoted through activities align with the organization’s purpose or scope of business. A court may find an organization’s purpose or scope of business satisfies the first requirement when the organization’s activities relate to protecting the natural or artificial environment affecting the survival or development of human beings. This holds true even if the articles of incorporation do not explicitly say that the organization’s purpose is to protect the environment.
SPC further reasoned that environmental public interest activities include a broad range of activities such as environmental protection-related public engagement, capacity building, studies, academic exchange, legal aid, and public interest litigation. Also included are other activities that may improve environmental governance systems, increase the capabilities of environmental governance, and promote the public to reach consensus on the importance of environmental protection. SPC found that GDF submitted adequate evidence to meet the three-factor test and concluded GDF has standing to sue.
The SPC’s liberal interpretation of statutory requirement on standing helped move GDF’s case quickly. The SPC also sent a clear signal to courts across the country that environmental public interest litigation is encouraged as a valuable tool for ensuring environmental accountability.
Largest Environmental Repair and Restoration Bill Issued in a Public Interest Case
In February 2017, the trial court formally accepted GDF’s case upon the SPC’s order. The parties agreed to solve the disputes through mediation by the court. During mediation, the defendants started to repair
8 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019) the contaminated sites and clean the polluted groundwater. On August 28, 2017, the trial court approved the mediation agreement reached by GDF and the defendants. In the agreement, GDF recognized that the polluters had spent RMB 569 million on repairing the polluted environment. The polluters agreed to pay another RMB 6 million dedicated to protect the environment and biodiversity of Tengger Desert and the neighboring upper reaches of the Yellow River, as well as pay for GDF’s attorney fees, expert witness fees, and travel expenses. The total amount that was paid prior to and is to be paid after the approval of mediation agreement amounted to RMB 575,000,000 (about USD 91 million), which is the largest so far achieved in an environmental public interest case in China.
GDF’s Tengger Desert case marks a significant development of Chinese NGO’s public interest litigation efforts. The case helped to clarify the NGO standing requirement in environmental public interest litigation and may encourage more NGOs to participate in suing the polluters. The large bill for environmental repair and restoration achieved in this case also sent a strong signal to the polluters that the new EPL is becoming an increasingly powerful enforcement tool with real teeth.
ChinaDaily Reports: Tengger case shows even big firms can't escape penalty for polluting 3
China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-30 07:49
Tengger case shows even big firms can't escape penalty for polluting
Birds fly over the wetland of Tengger Desert in Zhongwei, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 15, 2011.[Photo/Xinhua]
PASSING THE VERDICT in the Tengger Desert pollution case, the Intermediary People's Court of Zhongwei, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, said on Monday that the eight polluting enterprises should pay 569 million yuan ($86 million) for the restoration of the contaminated soil and another 6 million yuan to a public welfare fund for environmental damage. Beijing News comments:
Since the fine is the highest imposed on environmental polluters in China, it will help raise people's environmental awareness. This is the first time multiple polluters have been penalized in a single environmental case.
The verdict should also come as a warning to those polluters who believe several big enterprises are not likely to be penalized in one environmental case, because they are growth engines, big taxpayers, and often enjoy local government protection.
The Tengger Desert pollution case also shows some local governments no longer focus on GDP-centric
3 Tengger case shows even big firms can't escape penalty for polluting (2017.8.30) http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2017-08/30/content_31304856.htm 9 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
governance; instead, they accord due priority to environmental and ecological protection. Besides, the judiciary, too, attaches importance to public interest litigation for environmental protection, which used to be difficult because of the indifference of local authorities and the difficulty in collecting evidence.
However, the seemingly heavy fine may still not be enough to cover the cost of the environmental damage in the Tengger Desert, which was used as a sedimentation basin by the eight chemical enterprises for years.
It will take a long time to cleanse the soil, and it remains doubtful whether the environment and ecology can be completely restored. Still, the court should supervise the eight enterprises to ensure they fulfill their legal liabilities throughout the soil restoration period. Plus, there should be a professional evaluation of the restoration project under effective public scrutiny.
Typical Case: Changzhou Polluted School
CRI Reports: Chinese NGO to raise money after lawsuit failure against chemical plants4
2017-02-07 19:08:17 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Zhang Guanghao
File photo of the site of the former location of three chemical companies in the city of Changzhou, Jiangsu province. [File photo: Xinhua]
Chinese NGO China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) is going to raise around 1 million yuan to cover legal costs against three chemical companies, thepaper.cn reports.
The foundation, as well as another NGO Friends of Nature (FON) sued the three chemical plants in Changzhou, Jiangsu province in April to pay for soil restorations near a school.
The case was raised after parents of hundreds of students at the school complained that pollution at the former location of three chemical factories, just opposite the school, had caused illness in their children.
An official investigation said the three companies had polluted over 70,000 square meters in that area with heavy metals and organic compounds. However, restoration work was not completed when the school began using its new campus.
4 Chinese NGO to raise money after lawsuit failure against chemical plants (2017.2.7) http://english.cri.cn/12394/2017/02/07/3941s951362.htm 10 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
CBCGDF and FON decided to sue the companies, reportedly for 370 million yuan or around 54 million U.S. dollars, for restoration of the local environment.
In the lawsuit, it was demanded that the companies also take measures to remove the impacts of the pollutants to the local environment and make a public apology through media at all levels.
The NGO's claims were denied as the court believes the goal of the lawsuit is gradually being achieved due to soil restoration work conducted by the local government of Xinbei District.
And the NGOs were ordered to pay nearly 1.9 million yuan in legal costs, shared by both.
Currently, the second lawsuit is still ongoing.
According to China's new environmental protection law, which took effect in January 2015, non- governmental organizations are allowed to sue polluters on behalf of victims.
Only 9 out of around 1,000 NGOs in China that have the qualification made such lawsuits in 2015.
Most of the NGOs are fearful of the financial risk they have to take on should they fail in those lawsuits.
Typical Case: EPIL on Polluted School Running Tracks
In the past decade, every year there were reports that school students were developing symptoms including rashes, fever and nosebleeds after contact with synthetic tracks on playgrounds. The cause was usually directed to an infrastructure in Schools - plastic running tracks. In 2016, CBCGDF filed an EPIL to safeguard public's environmental interests. Here’re some reports by media about this lawsuit.
The direct consequences include that (1) China’s Ministry of Education no longer ask schools around China to install plastic running tracks or playgrounds as an prerequisite /required physical equipment; and the country; (2)The Ministry of Education abolished the national standards previously used (the EPIL let people find that the national standards originally formulated by several large enterprises, totally lack the participation of stakeholders), and adopted the new mandatory national standards.
This is the first public litigation case on the high-profile campus pollution caused by synthetic running tracks has been settled through mediation, which concluded in a decision for the kindergarten to remove its controversial track. After legal mediation, Beijing kindergarten to remove synthetic running tracks. The mediation was approved by both sides on Feb. 24, and the court announcement was made on April 11 2017. Here’re some related reports by Media.
11 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Sixth Tones Reports: Children Sick From Another Toxic Running Track, Say Parents5
Expert asks whether benefits of synthetic recreational facilities outweigh the risks. Fan Liya Sep 20, 2017 2-min read
Sixty-five primary school students in southern China’s Guangdong province have fallen ill after moving to a new campus, prompting an investigation into whether the refurbished facilities contain toxins, The Beijing News reported Wednesday.
Since Sept. 4, students at Songgang No.1 Primary School in Shenzhen have shown symptoms ranging from dizziness and shortness of breath to nose bleeds and eczema, according to a local education official. In response to concerns from parents, the official said that a report presented by the construction company behind the recreational facilities showed that all the materials used had been approved.
Nevertheless, the school has closed off its synthetic running track, replaced some new student desks and chairs with used ones, and ordered air quality tests to be conducted in classrooms.
Since 2014, similar cases have been reported across China. In 2015 alone, students in an estimated 15 cities became sick from contact with synthetic sports facilities containing excessive amounts of benzene and formaldehyde.
Last year, Shenzhen drafted the country’s first standards for synthetic tracks, after an assessment by the city’s education bureau determined that 11 out of 345 newly built synthetic sports facilities at schools in the city contained toxic substances.
“Although there is a national quality standard for the construction of synthetic sports facilities, this standard does not apply to kindergartens and primary schools,” Wang Wenyong, a legal advisor at environmental NGO China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), told Sixth Tone. Unlike local standards, China’s national standard for tracks applies only to professional facilities, such as those found at stadiums.
Wang warned that synthetic running tracks might be more risk than they’re worth. “So far, there has been no scientific assessment of the influence of synthetic materials on the health of children,” he said.
In July 2016, the CBCGDF filed the country’s first lawsuit over a poisonous running track at a kindergarten in Beijing. The case was settled through mediation in April, with the kindergarten agreeing to remove the material.
5 Children Sick From Another Toxic Running Track, Say Parents (2017.9.20) http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1000881/children-sick-from-another-toxic-running-track%2C-say-parents 12 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Toxic running tracks aren’t the only source of contamination to have sent schoolchildren to the hospital. In April 2016, nearly 500 students at a school built near land that had once housed three chemical factories in Changzhou, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, became ill. And a year later, high levels of arsenic were detected in the air at a vocational school that had moved onto the former site of a metalwork and porcelain factory in Inner Mongolia, northern China.
Editor: David Paulk.
(Header image: A school running track found to contain toxic substances is removed in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Nov. 12, 2015. Xu Wenge/VCG)
Xinhua News Reports: Landmark environmental group legal victory over toxic school tracks6
Zhang Zixu China Plus/Xinhua Published: 2017-04-11 13:51:41
The toxic tracks are now replaced by grass. [Photo:bjnews]
A landmark legal case involving a Chinese environmental group suing a kindergarten over toxic running tracks has ended with the two sides agreeing to mediation.
The Beijing higher court hearing the case has hailed the outcome as a new way of settling public interest cases.
In the first case of its kind in China, China Biodiversity Conservation and the Green Development Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Liu Shikun Wanxiang Xiantian Kindergarten accusing it of installing a toxic rubber track in its schoolyard, causing damage to the air and soil, and so infringing public rights.
The environmental groups said the tracks released toxic gas with a pungent smell last year.
On learning about the situation, the foundation sent letters to the kindergarten, demanding it demolish the tracks.
The kindergarten admitted its misconduct and began the demolition process in June, 2016. It also said it would shoulder all responsibility and make up for any damage caused.
Both parties agreed to seek conciliation over the case and came to an agreement in February with the school to demolish the tracks, resurface the schoolyard and donate 100 thousand yuan to the foundation.
6 XINHUA: Landmark environmental group legal victory over toxic school tracks (2017.4.11) http://chinaplus.cri.cn/news/china/9/20170411/2806.html 13 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
It's reported the kindergarten has completed its commitments.
There have been a number of recent cases where toxic running tracks have caused illnesses among students. China's education ministry is working with research institutions and government bodies to draft a new set of standards to ensure the quality of these tracks.
3.Ecological education and mainstream biodiversity：Green Great and Green Youth
Having been convinced that the young generation will serve as a main force in sustainable development, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development, CBCGDF, with its aim of building a comprehensive and interactive network for green actions, knowledge and resources, respectively established “Green Great”, which refers to the international platform of College Students Environmentalist Community and “Great Youth”, another environmental voluntary group that is made up of elementary school and middle school students, in ways to boost green development and provide perpetual learning opportunities. By far, relevant works of CBCGDF have been promoted by Green Great members across the world, and meanwhile a good number of significant lectures, events and activities have been launched among Green Youth.
As Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of UN told the CBCGDF representative in 2018 Future Consensus Forum: Next Civilized City and Sustainable Development that the potentials of the young generation in sustainable development cannot be overlooked, the Green Great and Great Youth has fully demonstrated their power and commitment into biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and green development. With appropriate scientific and technological assistant, resources provision and funding support from CBCGDF, Green Great with over 160 universities and Green Youth with over 1000 volunteers have by far achieved fruitful results in regarding areas.
4. Scientific and policy research: China Pangolin Research Center & Biology and Science Ethics (BASE) Committee
“China Pangolin Research Center” was formally established in February 2019 to build the world’s top pangolin research institute. Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) signed a cooperation agreement with the principal of 14 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.
The Center is for the detection of the whole genome of pangolins that not only protects the pangolin from a scientific point of view, but also promotes the China’s pangolin science research to the top of the world. CBCGDF Biology and Science Ethics (BASE) Committee, a platform to gather academicians and experts from home and abroad to come up with opinions, conduct discussions, absorb public opinions, and timely feedback relevant information to the relevant departments of the China Association for Science and Technology, and to the international community. The establishment of this BASE Committee can also continue to serve the government, scientists, and society. CBCGDF has fully communicated with the academicians and experts of the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) on this work and will continue to seek the opinions of experts in various fields in a scientific and rigorous manner.
5.Policy Advocacy: “Beat Plastic” actions and “wilderness” promotion
CBCGDF has spared no effort to focus on “reducing plastic” and controlling plastic pollution, awakening the environmental awareness of the whole society, and participating in the construction of a beautiful China and a Community of Shared Future for Mankind.
In order to control the waste of resources in the production process and the harm to the environment, CBCGDF has written to relevant companies and requested to stop using plastic flower products in public places. To initiate to not to use plastic book covers at the beginning of the new semester.
Biodiversity conservation is an effective measure to improve the resilience of climate change. CBCGDF advocates the strengthening of biodiversity conservation in urban densely populated areas, advocates “let the wild grass grow”, “wild city” and biodiversity conservation on campus, and actively supports the construction of campus protected areas.
Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary-General of CBCGDF recommends using the “Dafeng Greening Method” to irrigate trees by increasing the utilization of rainwater, so as not to waste rain water. The advantage of the “Dafeng Greening Method” is that through the use of natural resources, nature is built, the wilderness is shaped, and emerging landscape trends are formed.
CBCGDF advocates " Walk your chopsticks" initiative. In recent years, the popularity of the take-away industry has also brought about pollution and waste problems that are increasingly rapidly. The "Walk your chopsticks" initiative aims to reduce the use of disposable chopsticks, thereby reducing deforestation to enhance biodiversity conservation and tackle climate change. Through the unremitting appeal of e- commerce platforms to give consumers the "green consumer rights" proposal, through the efforts of organizations including CBCGDF, eventually in the summer of 2017, the take-out platforms such as Meituan were successfully implemented, that an option for the consumer to decide "do not use disposable
15 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019) cutlery" has been added to the App.
6. Suggesting Putting Biodiversity Conservation into China’s Constitution
ZHOU Jinfeng Suggests Amending China's Constitution by Replacing "Planting Trees" with "Conserving Biodiversity"
The Constitution of the People's Republic of China is the fundamental law of our country. Article 26 of the Constitution stipulates that the State organizes and encourages trees-planting and the protecting woods. ZHOU Jinfeng, Secretary General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), proposed that the description of “tress-planting” should be replaced by “biodiversity conservation” in January 2019. The reasons are as follows:
Article 26th of the Constitution.
(1) Although the advocacy of Trees-Planting is very important, it has historical limitations.
In reality, "planting" and "tree" are usually overemphasized and resulted in some negative consequences. The Chinese word for “tree” is usually interpreted as large-sized and tall wooden
16 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
plants; the behavior of “planting” often resulted in destroying native shrubs or other natural surface in favor of exotic and more beautiful-looking trees.
For example, it's been long blamed that urban-greening practioners are in favor of exotic species of tree over local ones; planting southern-originated trees into China's northern cities leads to the need to wear thick-coats in winter, which brought additional costs to the environment and ecology, as well as indirect pollution.
Bulaotun wetlands locates in suburban Beijing, which was one of the best birding places in Beijing. A trees-planting plan aroused public concern after it adopted a new trees-planting plan. It abandons native shrubs and grasses, to plant new trees in the name of water resources conservation. Removing its native flora to plant new trees will reduce biodiversity heavily. This is also an example of the destruction of local ecology in the name of planting trees.
Another example is the populus nigra of central China’s Dongting Lake. Nicknamed "wetland pump", it is a typical invasive alien species. A total of 3,000,000 Euramerican populus nigras trees in Dongting Lake were ordered to be uprooted by China Central Environmental Protection Supervision two years ago. The change from "planting trees crazily" to "cutting trees completely" would be accompanied by huge ecological costs and waste of resources.
The picture shows a worker chopping down populus nigra trees on November 27, 2017, in the core zone of Southern Dongting Lake Nature Reserve in Yuanjiang City, Hunan Province. Pic Source: 经济参考报
17 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Moreover, the large-scale monocultures of Eucalyptus in southern China’s Guangxi and Yunnan have also brought serious problems to the ecology. We need to be cautious to those massive planting of single tree species. For example, in response to the Ant Forest’s Trees Planting program of public welfare activity, which involves 300,000,000 people participation in the large-scale planting of single plant species in desert areas. We have raised concerns about it - is such practice always appropriate? Perhaps we need to think twice in a more scientific and holistic way. One-sided emphasized negative effects of "trees planting" that can be found in numerous examples, which need not be further elaborated.
The limitation of "planting" often leads to excessive torment of nature. There’s an old Chinese saying by Mencius: “if you climb-up a tree seeking fish, although you can’t find any fish, it doesn’t hurt anyone; but if you try your best towards the wrong direction, it’ll be a disaster.”
There are three levels of biodiversity (gene, species and ecology), and trees just belong to the species level. Putting planting-trees as a fundamental strategy cannot reflect the holistic idea that mountains, rivers, forests, lakes and grasses are a “community of life”. Different ecological conditions in different places have their natural requirements and attributes; we need a more holistic perspective. That’s why I am calling for Letting Nature Grow, respect the nature, and follow the nature. Nature should be quiet, harmonious and beautiful. If the Constitution replaces "planting trees" with "protecting biodiversity", the actual effect of ecological civilization construction will be better brought into play.
(2) The basic law of planting trees is no longer meet the requirements of ecological civilization.
"Trees-planting" was the core practice of environmental protection thought in the era of agricultural civilization and industrial civilization. It cannot adapt to the new challenges and requirements of the new era of Ecological Civilization and the construction of Beautiful China. When mankind enters the new era of ecological civilization, we should think more from a scientific and comprehensive perspective, and replace the past practice of focusing greening on a few visible tall plants with a closely linked and unified ideological system, and focusing on forest coverage with assessment indicators.
Intact ecosystems are important reservoirs of genetic information. The ultimate pursuit of "planting- trees" hardly leaves any room for wilderness, which is essential for genetic conservation and hence a nation's bio-security in the long run. Putting planting-trees in the Constitution leads to the majority of landscapes are man-made and dominated by people; in the contrast, natural landscapes that are not fully understood, valued and conserved.
There is no doubt that the advocacy of planting trees has made a great contribution in the past, it can hardly be ignored. We have to clarify that we are not suggesting “trees should not be planted”; what we propose is that Trees-planting should be considered in the context of conserving healthy ecosystems. 18 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
(3) The conservation of biodiversity is written into the Constitution that is conducive to the construction of ecological civilization system.
Biodiversity includes three levels: species, gene and ecology. The advocacy of "trees planting" focuses only on the species level – especially those tall trees. The scope of the concept of "biodiversity" not only embodies the good will of "planting trees", but also reflects the essence of President Xi's thoughts on ecological civilization.
President Xi has pointed out that we should improve the ecological civilization system and protect the ecological environment with the strict institutions and rule of laws. China’s Constitution is the fundamental law of our country, which sets up the basics of all other legal instruments. It is the product of comprehensive effect of specific social, political, economic, ideological and cultural conditions. It has important guiding significance for all other laws and regulations. Entering the era of ecological civilization, we believe that the description of planting trees in the Constitution can no longer meet the needs of the new era in terms of top-level design, and we need to replace the description of "planting trees" with "protecting biodiversity".
(4) Scientific evidence supports that biodiversity can promote productivity and bring economic benefits
Biodiversity conservation is written into the basic law which is conducive to guiding the whole society to benefit from ecosystem services, improving the health of soil, water and atmosphere, and achieving sustainable development. For example, a recent study by the Chinese research team shows that tree diversity improves forest productivity. The results encourage multispecies afforestation strategies to restore biodiversity and mitigate climate change. The study also found that a 10% reduction in tree species diversity would result in an economic loss of $20 billion a year around the world.
(5) At a pivotal historic stage and facing the perfect opportunity of Constitutional Amendment
Biodiversity loss is becoming a bigger problem than we ever thought it could be. The only goal China failed to the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) was the Goal 7B: a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. If the importance not highly attached, we may fail the next Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Biodiversity loss is a silent killer; the situation will be even worse with accelerated climate change in the near future. The already high rates of biodiversity loss from habitat destruction, chemical pollution and invasive species will accelerate in the coming 30 years as a result of climate change and growing human populations. Urgent actions are needed or we could face our own extinction.7
2020 is a Super Year, and it is also the ending year of the UN decade's "Biodiversity Goals" (Aichi Goals, 2011-2020). China is a party state to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and it will host the 15th CBD Conference of the Parties (CoP15) in 2020. At that time, the
7 Stop biodiversity loss or we could face our own extinction, warns UN https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/03/stop-biodiversity-loss-or-we-could-face-our-own-extinction- warns-un 19 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
United Nation’s new Biodiversity Targets (2021-2030) will be born in China. If China can write "biodiversity conservation" into the Constitution at this key historical node, it will be conducive to China's deep participation in global environmental governance in post 2020 and show the global leadership of China's ecological civilization to the world. 8
In summary, the description of "planting trees" cannot reflect the requirements of the era of ecological civilization. One-sided emphasis on "planting trees" is increasingly showing its disadvantages. Therefore, Zhou Jinfeng suggested replacing the description of "planting trees" with "biodiversity protection" in the Constitution. This not only embodies the good original intention of planting trees, but also avoid a lot of unnecessary waste. It truly reflects the core requirements of "life community" between human beings and mountains, forests, fields, lakes and grasses. And it has profound long-term effects that both promote people's livelihood and protect the ecological environment.
(6) If conditions are not yet good enough, minor changes can be made: changing "protecting woods" to "protecting biodiversity". This is absolutely right and urgently necessary.
This article is an English translation of 周晋峰建议修改《宪法》：将“植树”改为“保护生物多样性” (2019.1.18) http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4854/7358.html Translated by Xue LI, Linda Wong (contact: [email protected])
7. Strengthen global partnerships
Despite advances in certain areas, more needs to be done to accelerate progress in Conservation. All stakeholders including government, will have to refocus and intensify their efforts on areas where progress has been slow. To achieve better international partnership and communication, CBCDF is holding the 2019 China International Biodiversity Conservation for Sustainable Development Forum (May20-22 2019, Beijing) to commemorate the International Day for Biodiversity (May 22),. The forum will gather inputs and best practices from various stakeholders, and initiate commitments towards conservation and sustainable development, to further enhance public awareness of biodiversity conservation and create a good atmosphere for the society to care for, support and participate in biodiversity conservation. CIBCSD emphasizes the importance of public participation by non-state actors including corporations, private financial institutions, and NGOs.
8 Science: Impacts of species richness on productivity in a large-scale subtropical forest experiment, Science 05 Oct 2018: Vol. 362, Issue 6410, pp. 80-83 http://science.sciencemag.org/content/362/6410/80 20 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
8. Agriculture and biodiversity: Collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
In February 2018, CBCGDF as an observer of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, together with ITPGRFA conducted in-depth discussions on topics of common interest such as the digital sequence of genetic resources. The Secretary of ITPGRFA Mr. Kent Nnadozie pointed out that the possible dialogue and cooperation platform built by CBCGDF is very important, and it is very useful to organize a seminar according to CBCGDF’s suggestions.
On 4 March 2019, , a Seminar themed on “Conservation and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Focusing on Agricultural Biodiversity After 2020” co-organized by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) and Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS) was successfully held in Beijing. Attendees at home and abroad include officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, heads of relevant departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, heads from CBCGDF and BAAFS, as well as representatives from scientific research institutions and universities such as Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Beijing Forestry University, China Agricultural University, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, etc. Everyone gathered together to promote China’s conservation and benefit sharing of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, promote China’s agro-ecological security and biodiversity conservation, and effectively participate in global environmental governance. At the same time, attendees from various fields also made suggestions on the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nation's Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15), which will be held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China in late 2020.
9. Climate resilience through “Campus Conservation Areas”
“Smart Campus Cloud Network” (SCCN) is a college-based network, which is the mainstream tool to promote the UN SDGs in the education system. The idea of SCCN is based on “Learning by Doing”: It aims to improve campus energy and water utilization, waste management and recycling, and transportation mode by deploying and applying sophisticated Digital Techniques, including Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Network and Blockchain, in order to confront Climate Change and
21 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019) protect the nature. SCCN is a flagship project of TERRE Policy Center, with keen support from UNESCO- Paris. The Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Dr. Zhou Jinfeng is SCCN’s Senior Consultant.
The concepts and structures of SCCN have been warmly embraced by CBCGDF. Dr. Zhou is the initiator of a series of innovative proposals on sustainable development in universities across China, such as “Sustainable Campus”, “University Campus Conservation Area”, “Green School”, “Sustainable Food and Drink on Campus”, and “Biodiversity Footprint”. Dr. Zhou believes that, despite certain progress, there remains a long way to go in achieving the UN SDGs, and one promising direction is to enhance the role of higher institutions and college students in sustainable development and the Construction of the Ecological Civilization. Peking University (PKU) Shenzhen is among the first universities in China who has become a member of SCCN.
10. Poverty alleviation: Collaboration with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) during the Bamboo and Rattan Congress (BARC)
As a leading nationwide non-profit NGO dedicated to promoting environmental energy and biodiversity conservation, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) co- organized a parallel forum session titled “Green Economy and Sustainable Development Parallel Forum” with INBAR.
The forum attendees include Head of CBCGDF, Head of International Green Economy Association (IGEA), member of the international think tank the Club of Rome, experts from relevant government departments and institutions, as well as representatives from IUCN and WWF, and high-level officials from various countries shared their thoughts on this event, and exchanged views and information on biodiversity conservation, sustainable transformation, sustainable consumption and climate change emergency and related topics. Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary-General of CBCGDF concluded at the end of this forum: It means the beginning of a high-level and wide-range international dialogue. CBCGDF will continue to provide open, high-quality and effective platforms. We hope that we will have more opportunities for cooperation in the future.”
22 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
11. Rescuing Spotted Seal: Failed Protected Areas?
In Feb 2019, police found a 100 baby seals stolen from a breeding zone. 40% of them died later. Those poor babies were poached to meet the rising market of aquariums for animal performance and exhibition.
Many people are asking: Since a couple of protected areas have been established around those key areas, why are the locations where poaching occurs not included in protected areas? Why has this reserve been shrinking and adjusting repeatedly in history? Why don't our protected areas work when confronted with those species who really need to be protected?
To save the spotted seals, CBCGDF did a series of work: Investigating the cause and current status of those rescued pups; Looking for the fundamental loopholes of why this was happening, and preparing possible Environmental Public Interest Litigations towards those who’s responsible; Write a Rescue Guideline to assist field rescue; Educate fishermen on the necessity on the species conservation and popularization of wildlife protection law; To suggest the country’s top legislation on upgrade spotted seal’s protection level from Grade 2 to Grade 1 on National Protected Wildlife Species List; To promote awareness about spotted seals and other marine mammals to schoolchildren.
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) has been an unswerving apologist of marine life protection in the past 33 years. This year, the UN “World Wildlife Day 2019” (March 3) has focused on marine species for the first time. In full response to this, CBCGDF organized a series of rescuing and promotional activities that highlighted the preservation of the endangered spotted seal species on March 1st — CBCGDF’s “World Seal Day”.
During the February Chinese New Year, an appalling incident of the poaching of 100 spotted seal pups occurred in Dalian Changxing Island, China. These pups are native to the Spotted Seal Breeding Area in Liaodong Bay, which is one of the eight spotted seal breeding areas worldwide. Completely alarmed by this, on “World Seal Day”, CBCGDF directed four separate spotted seal work teams to four different destinations to help rescue the saved seal pups.
One team, led by CBCGDF’s Secretary-General Dr. Zhou Jinfeng and its invited international expert Dr. Sara Platto, visited Dalian Tiger Beach Polar Museum and two other spots where the saved pups were kept. Its task was to provide expertise advice on how to better rescue the pups (e.g. formula, quarantine procedure, medical treatment, first-aid arrangement etc.). The second team was led by CBCGDF’s “Spotted Seal Girl” and visited one Beijing primary school. Its mission was to deliver an educational campaign to school students and raise their awareness of protecting spotted seals. School pupils played a scene play featuring spotted seals and wrote a letter to “Spotted Seal Girl” to express their support to
23 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
her. The third and fourth teams were represented by CBCGDF’s volunteers, who went to the Liaodong Bay and aquariums, respectively. These seal pups were hunted because of their potential lucrative value on the market, characterized by the selling of seal pups to aquariums which would then train them for commercial performances extremely popular among tourists nowadays.
Besides, CBCGDF has hosted several symposiums and invited government officials, experts, protectionists, volunteers and media reporters to brainstorm holistic and applicable protective measures for spotted seals. A spotted seal rescue guideline — “Spotted Seals on the Melting Ice sheets” — is similarly under preparation by CBCGDF. This guideline is intended to provide authoritative rescuing guidance for spotted seals.
Plus, to aware the fishermen and villagers, we organized a seminar on Changxing Island (where the wildlife crime happened) today. Attendees include local communities' representatives, villagers, governmental officials, local NGOs and volunteers, etc. This awareness promotion event aims to educate people, to popularize China's wildlife protection law, and to let people know killing spotted seals is illegal; and instead, protecting those iconic migratory species can bring them alternative sustainable livelihood and hence make their lives better.
Global Times reports: 100 baby seals stolen from breeding ground in NE China, 1/3 die in poor treatment9
By Liu Xuanzun Source: Global Times Published: 2019/2/17 15:57:53
Spotted seals rest on the coastal mudflat of Sandaogou in Panjin, northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 25, 2018. Over 300 spotted seals rest here and will head back to the Pacific regions in late May.
More than a third of the 100 baby seals stolen from a breeding zone had died by Saturday after local police in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province took several suspects in custody.
The 100 baby spotted seals, an endangered and protected species in China, were stolen from a natural breeding area in Liaodong Bay and hidden at a farm on Changxing Island, Dalian, the local newspaper Peninsula Morning Post reported on Friday.
9 Global Times: 100 baby seals stolen from breeding ground in NE China, 1/3 die in poor treatment (2019.2.17) http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1139122.shtml http://www.ecns.cn/news/society/2019-02-18/detail-ifzeratr8870251.shtml
China Daily: 100 poached harbor seals found; rules suggested (2019.2.21) https://enapp.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201902/21/AP5c6dfafca310d331ec92a22c.html http://www.china.org.cn/china/2019-02/21/content_74488317.htm http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201902/21/WS5c6dfafaa3106c65c34ea812.html
China Plus: Large numbers of seals appearing in Liaoning (2018.3.28) http://chinaplus.cri.cn/news/china/9/20180328/109111.html 24 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
After receiving a report by local residents on February 11, the police raided the farm, found the 100 baby seals and arrested several suspects, the newspaper reported.
The baby seals, which were still breast feeding when they were taken, suffered from shock and poor immunity, according to the report.
When police recovered the seals, 29 were already dead and eight others died later, according to a statement by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation sent to the Global Times on Sunday.
Spotted seals can be easily trained to do tricks and entertain people at aquariums, which was probably why they were stolen, the Peninsula Morning Post reported.
Spotted seals in Liaodong Bay are genetically unique in the world, the Foundation said in the statement, noting that it is very important that the animals are well-protected.
The newspaper reported that there are about 2,000 spotted seals living in Liaodong Bay.
The foundation urged authorities to enhance supervision of aquariums and illegal sales of spotted seals.
The case is still under investigation by the police and the suspects will be judged in a court of law, the newspaper said.
Posted in: SOCIETY
12.Big data for life below water : FDY Fish Protection Center
As Minister Siim Kissler, Minister of Environment for Estonia and President of the fourth UN Environment Assembly, said in the opening remark of UNEA4 in Nairobi, Kenya, “the world needs openly accessible data, information, analysis, knowledge and science to better inform and guide what needs to be done to achieve sustainability across all environmental dimensions...Not only is data filling knowledge gaps, data can also be a source of economic benefits which cannot be left unnoticed”.
To better utilize the advantages of big data sharing, CBCGDF established the FDY Fish Protection Center （Oppose Electro Fishing Union）and later developed an app called RiverEye. RiverEye is specifically designed for information sharing, volunteers management, hot-spot location pinning, and species distribution map.
The CBCGDF FDY Fish Protection Center (Oppose Electro Fishing Union), headquartered in Zigong City,
25 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Sichuan Province, was launched and officially founded in March 2017 at the initiative of Mr. Zhu Kai. It is a non-profit public welfare group established with the consent of CBCGDF to resist illegal fishing, to protect indigenous fish species, to protect aquatic animals, and to protect water resources.
At present, 11,000 environmental protection volunteers have joined, and 45 volunteer service stations have been set up, bringing together oppose electro fishing volunteers from 12 provinces and cities and nearly 70 counties and cities nationwide. It is the FIRST professional public welfare group in China that resists illegal fishing and protection of aquatic animals.
Since its establishment, the Center has made positive contributions to local fishery protection and environmental protection by organizing volunteer patrols, publicity and assistance to relevant government departments. The total patrol mileage exceeded 120,000 kilometers. A total of more than 3,300 illegal electro fishing personnel was arrested, and more than 2,800 sets of electro fishing equipment and more than 4,700 illegal nets were seized. The relevant departments of many cities were successfully assisted. The rampant situation of illegal fishers has been hit to a high degree.
13.North Korea conservation
One ideology persistently bolstered by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) highlights “actively go out, shoulder the mission and responsibility fallen on social organizations”.
The penetrating influence, which CBCGDF has gradually shown during cross-border communications, has motivated the Ministry of Land and Environment Protection in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to invite CBCGDF to visit DPRK in April 2019 and cohost “the 2019 DPRK International Bird- watching Festival”. This is expected to be an opportune occasion which will make possible a more in-depth exploration of this mysterious territory, facilitate eco-tourism in DPRK, and serve as a milestone for international collaboration on bird biodiversity conservation and the realization of “Living in Harmony with Nature”.
CBCGDF’s friendship with DPRK began 3-4 years ago. In Autumn 2015, DPRK’s Minister of the Tourism Department and his colleagues visited China. During which, CBCGDF received them at the Beijing Zoo. Later CBCGDF provided DPRK representatives with several animal and plant specimens, to assist them in building their first National Natural Museum. In October 2018, during the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13), CBCGDF’s Secretary-General Dr. Zhou Jinfeng met with Mrs. Ri, Director-General of the Department for External Economic Cooperation at North Korean Ministry of Land and Environment Protection, and had a fruitful exchange on CBCGDF’s close history with DPRK and opportunities for future cooperation. In November, Mrs. Ri, together with other representatives of the DPRK government delegation, visited CBCGDF, continued communication for potential collaboration and invited CBCGDF to co-organize the Pyongyang Bird-watching Festival in 2019.
In addition, Dr. Zhou wholeheartedly congratulated DPRK on its joining the East Asian-Australasian Flyway 26 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Partnership (EAAFP) and becoming its 36th partner in April 2018. He said that the protection of migratory birds should not be considered as the duty of a single country; by contrast, cross-border partnership and concerted efforts from all walks of life are essential. CBCGDF has so far been playing an active role in encouraging DRPK to become a Party member of the Convention on Migratory Species, with promising feedback.
14. Sustainable Consumption: Good Food Fund & Bluefin Tuna
CBCGDF has been sparing no effort to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for the public in the fields of production and consumption.
Good Food Fund (of CBCGDF), which has been dedicated to the research related to food system, information dissemination, policy advocacy, activity organization, public education and business incubation, aims to promote healthy and sustainable food production, sales and consumption mode, so as to improve human health, natural environment and animal's survival condition.
CBCGDF hopes importing food of Bluefin Tuna can be stopped and the public take on corporate social responsibility (CSR). We need to work hard to open up a sustainable consumption market and lead consumers to the right path of consumption.
15. Ecological Belts & Roads (EBRs) and cooperative international organizations
Ecological protection and biodiversity conservation are two important aspects of the Belt & Road Initiative. The CBCGDF calls for an ecology- and biodiversity-friendly Belt & Road. That’s why CBCGDF started an initiative called “Ecological Belts & Roads” (EBRs) with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and IUCN Northeast Asia Programme, which aims to protect the migratory species along the routes. Cases of EBRs
① Pongo tapanuliensis Conservation Pongo tapanuliensis is a species of orangutan restricted to South Tapanuli in the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, which was described as a distinct species in 2017. From August of 2017 to January of 20218, CBCGDF paid a visit to Center of Orangutan Protection (COP), a professional Pongo tapanuliensis
27 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
conservation center founded by Indonesia authority in 2015, to make investigation and exchange ideas on Pongo tapanuliensis protection career.
② E40 Waterway Project The E40 waterway would connect the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea over a length of more than 2 000 km across multiple European countries. It passes through more than 70 valuable natural areas of Poland, Belarus and Ukraine. However, the construction of the proposed waterway will affect several protected areas. In 2018, CBCGDF sent delegates in Ukraine to investigate and assess the influence brought out by E40 project on local environment and biodiversity. CBCGDF objected this project for its high risk of damaging natural landscapes and alerted Chinese enterprises to the negative consequence after investing this project. It helped to aware the Chinese investors about this project’s potential risks to avoid in advance.
③ Timber Trade China is the biggest producer of timber products, most of which come from rainforest in south east Asia. CBCGDF has been paid attention to forest ecological protection and climate change. In September of 2018, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng to the timber trade market in Zhangjiagang City together with delegates from Environmental Law Center of Vermont Law School to exchange views on how to standardize timber imports and exports.
④ EBRs in Africa In June of 2018, CBCGDF co-held China-Africa Wildlife Conservation Conference with the theme of Global Wildlife Conservation: China Becoming Part of the Solution, aiming to strengthen the cooperation between two sides to combat wildlife poaching and illegal trade. On September 1 2018, CBCGDF worked with Nature Rewanda, an organization dedicated to increasing public participation in conserving the Biodiversity, to hold Go Outdoor in Muhanga, with the aim of helping teenagers realize the importance of forests.
Cooperative International Organizations
① Oil Palm Taskforce of IUCN To provide feedback on the draft of Situation Analysis of Oil Palm and Biodiversity.
② Center of Orangutan Protection of Indonesia
To make investigation and exchange views on Pongo tapanuliensis conservation.
③ United Nations Environment Programme （UNEP）
To participate in UN Environment Assembly and CBD COP14
④ World Wide Fund for Nature or World Wildlife Fund（WWF）
To participate in the press conference about the report by WWF and Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, giving suggestions on how to achieve SDGs in China.
28 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
16. Clean Water and Sanitation
CBCGDF set up Water Safety Special Fund in 2017, with the aim of get everyone realized water pollution, make potable water to each child and arouse people’s awareness of strengthening water safety. In 2018, CBCGDF Water Safety Special Fund has conducted researches on water safety in 22 primary schools in rural areas and made donations, 15 of which have already been equipped with water decontamination plants, nearly 5,000 pupils benefiting from the Fund. CBCGDF Water Safety Special Fund won the Annual Award of Public Welfare in the 8th China Charity Festival.
17. Circular Economy & Green Design
Our country has much to learn from the Netherlands in circular economy. In order to promote the extensive development of circular economy cooperation between China and the Netherlands, CBCGDF held a teleconference with Dutch representative.The meeting initially planned to contact and communicate with relevant institutions of circular economy in Netherlands and embassy of Netherlands in China, and implement internal division of work.
In addition, CBCGDF will soon hold a Global Green Design Conference to lead the application of international advanced sustainable development concepts in China and promote the win-win cooperation of environmental protection, ecological protection and green enterprises between China and other countries.
18. Promoting the Use of modern technology, big data and blockchains into Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework
Believing Big Data, Block Chain, Artificial Intelligence are the Future of Nature Conservation, the CBCGDF is actively advocating the nature conservation community to embrace the new future.
29 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Typical Case:
To encourage public participation in fighting illegal fishing, an APP called "RiverEye" is launched on iOS and Android systems by CBCGDF's Anti-Electrofishing Collabration Center (or FDY) on Feb 1st 2019.
The free-of-charge APP is based on field experiences and practices over the past year by the Center, which is a platform composed of ~20,000 registered CBCGDF volunteers. With strong support from CBCGDF and professional technical team, it was initially formed and now open for trial operation on the Apple Store and Android Platforms. Welcome joining us!
Technology helps fighting illegal wildlife poaching. Aiming to safeguarding freshwater ecosystem, this is China's first APP tailored for the general public use to record illegal fishing and protect aquatic wildlife. It can also display real-timely hotspot maps, illustrate distribution of aquatic animal activities, provide latest information and other popular science and life tips to the public. It'll be a nightmare for illegal fishers!
The RiverEye features eight functions:
1. Acquisition of illegal fishing, illegal sand dredging, sewage discharge and other adverse events on waters. 2. One-click reporting and accurately identifying illegal behaviors. 3. Provide interfaces for swift law enforcement. 4. Collect information of sighting of protected freshwater wildlife and automatically produce distribution maps. 5. Artifical Inteligence on Fish Species Identify System. 6. Recording personal fishing places and interest points. 7. Records of Patrol. 8. Big-data analysis and demo functions.
19. Suggesting the Country to Establish a National Level China Biodiversity Law
CBCGDF is advocating the country to establish a China Biodiversity Conservation Law since 2016. A draft proposal was supported by lawmakers and has been submitted to China's Two-sessions, which is the top political advisory bodies in the country.
30 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
CBCGDF’s Proposal on Establishing a China Biodiversity Protection Law to strengthen ecological security
Biodiversity is the basic characteristic of life system, including genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity conservation is the basis and prerequisite for the acquisition, development and utilization of biodiversity, and legal protection of biodiversity conservation is also one of the important ways and means of global governance of biodiversity. It is suggested that China should establish a national law on biodiversity conservation. The necessity and feasibility are as follows.
I. Necessity of a China Biodiversity Protection Law
(1) The law of biodiversity conservation is an inevitable requirement to improve the legal system of ecological civilization. At present, many countries in the world have enacted special legislation to protect their biodiversity. However, there are no corresponding laws and regulations in China, and the Wildlife Protection Law does not fully cover the content of biodiversity conservation. The construction of China's ecological civilization should be based on the rule of law, and the revision of relevant laws should be strengthened. There is a lack of corresponding laws in the major fields of related ecological civilization. It is necessary to enact the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Biodiversity as soon as possible.
(2) It is an urgent need for China to fulfil its international legal obligations. China is a big country of biodiversity. It is also a major member and Party of several international conventions and protocols related to biodiversity. The degree and performance of China's implementation are also highly concerned by international organizations and other Member States and parties.
This is also an inherent requirement for China to achieve the United Nations "sustainable development goals" (SDGs). China signed the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, and 189 countries, including China, signed the United Nations Millennium Declaration at the United Nations Summit in September 2000, proposing that eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) should be completed in 2010-2015. However, according to China's Report on the Implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) published in July 2015, although China has already completed many MDGs ahead of schedule, there is still one unfinished item, namely its 7B item: "Reducing the loss of biodiversity, significantly reducing the rate of biodiversity decline by 2010." At present, despite the remarkable efforts made by our government and the remarkable achievements made in the realization of Aichi goals, the form of biodiversity conservation is still very severe. Agenda 2030 calls for China to do more in biodiversity conservation.
(3) It is an appropriate choice to solve the existing legal problems and defects. From the point of view of biodiversity protection legislation, there is no law that can cover all aspects of biodiversity in China, and there is a legal gap in this respect. China's current Wildlife Protection Law is a national law at the species level, aiming at protecting rare and endangered species. The concept of "biodiversity" includes three levels: gene, species and ecology. Such as biosafety, germplasm resources and livestock and poultry genetic
31 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
resources, which have low legal rank, can not meet the actual needs of acquisition, development and utilization of biodiversity in China. Therefore, it is suggested to establish a national biodiversity conservation law.
2. Feasibility of enacting a national level Biodiversity Protection Law in China
(1) Our country is facing new historical opportunities. In 2018, China formally wrote "ecological civilization" into the Constitution, which is of symbolic significance. The Fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity will be held in China in 2020, at which time a new United Nations 10- year goal on biodiversity (2021-2030) is expected to emerge. Establishing a national biodiversity conservation law will show the world China's determination and courage in biodiversity conservation as the host country.
(2) Having a good foundation in the early stage. In 1994, the State Council issued China's Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, which clearly defined seven main objectives, namely, to protect wildlife species of great significance to biodiversity, and to protect the genetic resources of crops and livestock. In 2001, the State Council issued the National General Plan for Wildlife Conservation and Natural Reserve Construction. In 2007, the State Council promulgated the National Programming Outline for Key Eco- functional Protected Areas and the National Programming Outline for the Conservation and Utilization of Biological Species Resources. In 2010, the State Council approved and promulgated China's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2011-2030). These normative documents provide basic policy basis for biodiversity conservation in China.
In 2016, with the support of the Chinese Association of Science and Technology, the China Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development led the drafting project of the Biodiversity Conservation Law of the People's Republic of China (draft proposal). It organized three high-end academic exchanges and drafting working groups to discuss the feasibility, scope and coverage of the formulation of the Biodiversity Conservation Law of the People's Republic of China. The main contents are to propose a Chinese Law on the Protection of Biological Diversity in order to protect animals, plants, microorganisms and the ecological environment on which they depend in an all-round and systematic way and to protect biodiversity. (see annex)
(3) There are a large number of legislative examples abroad. After the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Member States actively fulfill their obligations under the Convention by formulating domestic legal forms, among which the creation of comprehensive biodiversity legislation is one of the concrete manifestations. According to the empirical analysis report of the Center for Sustainable Development Law on global biodiversity law (2014), about ten countries and regions have or are creating comprehensive and specialized biodiversity laws.
To sum up, it is suggested that our government take further action, which can be led by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and coordinate with the Ministry of Ecological Environment, the State Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, so as to start the relevant legislative work as soon as possible.
32 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Proposal drafters: Jinfeng Zhou and Linda Wong (China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation) Tan Baiping (Department of Law, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing University of Technology)
联系方式： Contact information: [email protected] 17319454776
21. Endangered Species Conservation Through Policy Advisory: Examples
Recently, representatives from China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) submitted a draft proposal to the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), urging the Two Sessions to upgrade the national protection class of spotted seals from Class 2 to Class 1. Likewise, one central task of CBCGDF’s pangolin work team during its 2019 “A Year of Justifications for Pangolins” will be to upgrade the national protection class of pangolins from Class 2 to Class 1. If achieved, this would mark a monumental milestone in the protective history of the two endangered animal species.
The names “Class 1” and “Class 2” most frequently refer to animal and plant species in China. Title 9 of “China’s Protection Law of Wildlife” classifies the national key protected wild animals into First Class National Protected Animals and Second Class National Protected Animals. Based on this classification, distinct management measures have been formulated and enforced. The “Wildlife Under Special State Protection List”, which was passed by the Sate Council on December 10, 1988, includes around 330 terrestrial wildlife.
Jointly issued by the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Agriculture, the List includes fewer First Class National Protected Animals than Second Class National Protected Animals (as expected). It can be generally said that First Class animals are those which are presently endangered, severely endangered or almost extinct; Second Class animals suffer much less from extinction, and they are generally more prevalent. Protection and punishment levels differ between the two classes of animals. For instance, hunting First Class National Protected Animals for scientific researches and introduction and domestication requires approval from authorities at the state level, while only provincial level approval is needed for the Second Class animals in a similar situation.
While pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world and Chinese pangolins have been officially announced “commercially extinct”, spotted seals are similarly being under severe threat. It is reported that
33 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
spotted seals are the only marine pinniped mammals that reproduce in China. Liaodong Bay is one of the eight spotted seal habitats worldwide. And Liaodong Bay spotted seals are distinct from others because of their pure Liaodong Bay lineage and genetic differences. Around 1930, there were about 7100 Liaodong Bay spotted seals. This number declined to about 2269 in 1979. Yet with increasing poaching and worsening of habitat environment, the number of spotted seals in Liaodong Bay has suffered an acute decline. Now only around 1000 spotted seals come to Panjin every year during their productive season.
CBCGDF hopes that with stricter law enforcement protective work surrounding the two species on the verge of extinction can be more effective and promising.
22. Protect Life Under Water (SDG #14)
I. Marine biodiversity conservation
On October 17, 2015, CBCGDF carried out ecological survey and database establishment for marine endangered species in China coast in cooperation with Xiamen University, mainly focusing on the protection of endangered species-green turtles.
On May 1, 2016, CBCGDF cooperated with South China Sea Institute of Tropical marine Biology and Disease to build a China Conservation Area for coral in Yongle Atoll, focusing on works like coral conservation, coral disease and breeding. On May 22, 2016 (International Biodiversity Day), CBCGDF held a commemorative event on the theme of “Biodiversity Conservation in the South China Sea”, calling for attention to the protection of marine biodiversity.
From April 25th to 27th, 2016, CBCGDF promoted the South China Sea Biodiversity Conservation Base in the Pracel Islands and other places. In January 2016, CBCGDF co-organized the “Ecosystem Services and Reef Protection and Restoration Seminar” in Sanya, Hainan. On July 3th, 2017, an "Oppose Electrofishing Union" (OEFU) was formed by CBCGDF volunteers. They are patrolling along rivers around China to fight illegal electrofishing and to protect freshwater ecosystems.
II. Establish China Conservation Area for Something At Somewhere (CCAfa) to protect coastal ecological environment and species CCAfa (China/Community Conservation Area for Something at Somewhere): the first "C" means both "China" (domestically) and "Community" (internationally this one is preferred). Since the first CCAfa for Great Bustards at Changyuan has been established in Apr. 2016, by far, a total of 84 CCAfas around
34 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
China. CCAfa is an interesting and innovative protected areas mechanism in a non-governmental effort to gather community-level biodiversity endeavors. It could also serve as a nice supplementary to the country's existing official protected area system; it swiftly reacts to the rapid-changing needs of biodiversity conservation; and it helps to connect fragmented habitats into ecological corridors without disturbing much people's livelihoods. The CCAfa awares the people, encourages the people and empowers the people. In June 2016, a CCA for Chinese White Dolphin Protected Area where the white dolphin was found in recent years. In July 2016, CCA for Ciconia Boycian in Lvshun and CCA for Balck-faced Spoonbill in Zhuanghe were established. In June 2017, the CBCGDF Endangered Species Protection Fund and other environmental NGOs jointly sent a letter to JD.com, calling for the protection of bluefin tuna. On the 12th of the same month, JD.com announced to stop selling bluefin tuna. The day was identified as "Bluefin Tuna Day" to commemorate JD.com taking Coporate Social Reponsibility. In November 2017, a CCA for Wholphin was established in Lianyungang City to protect wholphin which have been drastically reduced due to industrial development. In Feburary 2018, a CCA for Great Bustards at Panjin was established by CBCGDF.
III. Environmental Public Interest Litigation (EPIL) against ocean pollution On July 7th, 2015, CBCGDF filed an EPIL against the ConocoPhillips and the CNOOC, demanding the two companies repair the damage imposed by their oil spill. On July 24th, 2015, the case started to be invested by the local people’s court.
IV. Initiatives and proposals From 25th to 27th September 2015, the first China International Bird-Watching Festival was held at Laotieshan National Natural Reserve Area. In 2016, to protect the wetlands, Mr. Xie Boyang, the head of the CBCGDF, submitted a proposal on “Strengthen the protection of intertidal wetlands in the intertidal zone” at the “two sessions” in 2016, which was recognized as the Excellent Proposal of the 2017 National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which effectively promoted the later China's policy on the protection of wetlands and restrictions on reclamation was introduced. From March 30th to April 13th 2017, Rare 19th Century Bird Art on Exhibition was held, which covers the annual Beijing Bird-loving Week, with the aim to promote public awareness on bird and biodiversity conservation. At the end of July 2017, Baiyangdian wetland exploration activity held. This activity mainly focused on the scientific popularization of children and teenagers. On February 7, 2018, CBCGDF submitted a proposal on the ocean noise to the CPPCC National Committee members.
V. Prevention and control of ocean noise pollution In March 2018, CBCGDF studied data evidence of marine noise pollution with the marine biodiversity, with the world's two leading international organizations-Ocean Care and Wild Migration. Based on scientific evidence, we are committed to providing solutions to solve marine pollution, and to jointly address underwater noise pollution.
35 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
VI. International outreach and cooperation
On October 29, 2016, the CBCGDF jointly organized the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals(CMS) to hold a seminar on the protection of migratory animals along the Belt and Road, and proposed an ecological “Belt and Road” initiative.
In August 2017, the Ecuadorian court officially pronounced that 20 Chinese fishermen were suspected of holding and transporting protected species (sharks) in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. This matter is related to the protection of marine biodiversity, CBCGDF will file an EPIL in China and write to the Chinese company where the fishing boat is located if it is true.
VII. Tackle ocean pollution In February 2017, CBCGDF advocated the “Outdoor Green Day” to prevent plastic pollutants from damaging the environment and causing the death of wild animals. On June 5, 2017, CBCGDF launched the “Walk Your Chopsticks” initiative to conduct environmental public education. Afterwards, Chongqing Green Alliance sued three big take-out platforms. In August 2017, the sued takeaway platform APPs quickly designed the option of “No Disposable Tableware” that respects consumers’ green rights. In July 2018, the Beijing-based NGO has launched another initiative called “Green Bottle Action”, calling for people to re-use their plastic bottles of drinking water. “Use me one more time” is the slogan of this operation. It aims to aware the people that it’s totally unnecessary to discard a bottle at such a high frequency.
VIII. Ancient coastline ecological protection In 2015, CBCGDF has filed an EPIL against the illegal construction of wetland parks in core areas and buffer zones in Qilihai, one of the three ancient coastal wetlands in the world, and an important stop for migratory birds on the EAAF. In 2017, CBCGDF will actively report to the State Oceanic Administration and other relevant departments against the illegal construction and ecological damage in Hangu coastal wetlands of Tianjin Binhai New Area.
IX. Marine pollution 2018, CBCGDF have studied the pollution situation imposed by Sanchi, an Iranian oil tanker tanker, which collided with another vessel in the East China Sea and which had been burning for more than a week sank. February 28th, 2018, volunteers of CBCGDF found massive number of wild birds-Synthliboramphus antiquus and Gavia arctica were being sold. And CBCGDF began to find the cause of it.
X. Advising China to join the UN Convention of Migratory Species Believing that China and UN's CMS can work together to conserve migratory species along the Belt and Road. This was the theme of a Workshop the CBCGDF hosted for the Convention of Migratory Species (Bonn Convention) and competent authorities back in Oct. 2016 in Beijing, China. This event was very
36 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
successful in bridging dialogue between stakeholders towards a joint effort for migratory species conservation.
Some other reports on CBCGDF’s work – related to Marine and Water biodiversity: BLUEFIN TUNA Chinese NGOs Call Out WWF for Greenwashing Fishy Business (2017.6.13) http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1000327/chinese-ngos-call-out-wwf-for-greenwashing-fishy-business# Bluefin Tuna: Critically Endangered Species or “World Gourmet”? (2017.7) https://www.eli.org/vibrant-environment-blog/bluefin-tuna-critically-endangered-species- or-%E2%80%9Cworld-gourmet%E2%80%9D Saving Endangered Bluefin Tuna from Extinction: the efforts of CBCGDF (2017.12) http://cectalksnature.org/members-in-action-articles/saving-endangered-bluefin-tuna-from-extinction-the- efforts https://peerj.com/preprints/26678/
Baiji / Yangtze River Dolphin Photo raises hopes for survival of the 'Goddess of the Yangtze' （2018.5.29） http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201805/29/WS5b0c9d25a31001b82571cca4.html “Extinct” Goddess of the Yangtze river dolphin photographed alive (2018.5.9) http://www.animals24-7.org/2018/05/09/extinct-goddess-of-the-yangtze-river-dolphin-photographed- alive/ CMS Signs First Partnership Agreement with Chinese NGO (2016.11) https://www.cms.int/en/news/cms-signs-first-partnership-agreement-chinese-ngo
23. Encourage People’s Participation by Supporting Volunteers to Mainstream Biodiversity
CBCGDF takes a holistic approach to support its volunteers. On the CBCGDF's volunteer working system, I would say, is mainly carried out from the follow aspects:
(1) Registration and Certificate.
We issue a passport-like little green book for registered volunteers.
(2) Community Conservation Area for something at somewhere (CCAfa) working system.
37 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
This is a community based protected area system CBCGDF launched in 2016. Now there're 100+ CCAfa around China. It aims to mobilize local people's involvement in conserve biodiversity and protect the environment, as well as sustainable lively hood.
(3) Environmental and ITW Investigation.
For example, our volunteers kept on cyber-manhunting illegal wildlife traders. Maybe the most famous example is the story of Pangolin Prince. A Hongkong young man went to Guangxi and ate pangolins served by local officials. here're some reports. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1031760.shtml http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017twosession/2017-03/12/content_28522454.htm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-38902961 https://www.caixinglobal.com/2017-02-09/101053677.html www.china.org.cn/china/2017-02/09/content_40252404.htm
Also this one, Straits times: Chinese investment company manager fired for eating pangolin meat in Vietnam (2018.5.22) https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinese-investment-company-manager-fired-for-eating- pangolin-meat-in-vietnam
The official involved in the above case was later sentenced to jail. See report: Pangolin Banquet' Official Sentenced to 10 Years for Unrelated Charges (2018.5.18) https://www.caixinglobal.com/2018-05-18/pangolin-banquet-official-sentenced-to-10-years-for-unrelated- charges-101252466.html
Actually this is just a very small portion of what CBCGDF volunteers have done with regard to illegal trading. There're numerous other cases but most of them were not reported in English media.
(4) Do public fundraising for their grassroot environmental actions.
The CBCGDF is a national level charity too, with a license to raise fund via public-fundraising. In the past years, we have supported hundreds of grassroot NGOs and other small entities.
But generally, the funding to them is quite limited. The risks, pressures and difficulties faced by the front- line volunteers and grassroot organizations are far beyond imagination. We try our best to raise fund for them, even with limited resources.
We firmly believe that it's PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION which can really be most effective for conserving biodiversity and fighting illegal wildlife trade. If you ask what's the key point for "Mainstreaming Biodiversity"? We would definitely give you the answer: it's People.
And, we firmly believe that PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION is the most important taskforce for China's ecological civilization. Although national report to CBD may not pay much attention to those bottom-level
38 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
efforts, we have to voice for them, and to aware the policymakers about the importance and contributions of non-state actors.
(5) Provide assistance and legal service in emergent cases.
As we mentioned above, for volunteers to carry out pollution investigation, it sometimes a very hard task, especially in front-lines. Here're just a few related reports.
Sixthtone: Environmental Whistleblower Gets Prison Sentence (2018.7.12) https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1002601/environmental-whistleblower-gets-prison-sentence Administrative detention of environmental protection worker Lei Ping officially withdrawn (2018.6.4) http://www.chinadevelopmentbrief.cn/news/administrative-detention-of-environmental-protection-worker- lei-ping-officially-withdrawn/ Environmental Whistleblower Sues Police for Unlawful Detention（2018.3.31） http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1001981/environmental-whistleblower-sues-police-for-unlawful-detention RFA：Detained Chinese Environmental Worker Released After Public Outcry （2018.3.19） https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/release-03192018105728.html 3 arrested for beating up environmental volunteers inspecting sewage pit (2017.5.4) http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1045406.shtml https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/release-03192018105728.html
Take Ms. Lei Ping for example. The brave young lady is an environmental heroine. The CBCGDF volunteer was detained in Xinyi, southern China's Guangdong Prov., in so-called name of "spreading rumors to disturb public order" because she disclosed local rivers polluted by a quarry. Shortly after we received her help message, I sent a lawyer and team there urgently. She got bail in 58 hours.
The matter aroused great concerns in the country (see reports in above links). With our support, she sued authorities and demanded removal of administrative detention. Finally, Xinyi authorities cancelled the administrative detention penalty imposed on Lei, and admitted that their previous penalty put on her was indeed inappropriate. Lei also withdrew the lawsuit.
(6) Help them spread their voice and stories
In China, many natural lovers who would like to protect the environment, but most of them are independent and take actions alone. Usually, they find it hard to get their voice spread. We help on reporting their stories, efforts, try to help them get recognized and respect, followed by a lot of their stories will be published and reported by media. Also, we kept on recommendate projects, introduce
(7) Bridge dialogue platform for volunteers and decision-makers
Take the Community Conservation Area for Great Bustards at Changyuan for example. The CCAfa started from local volunteers who wanted to protect migrotory species - Great Bustards - winters in their hometown. But when they resorted to local government, they were refused because their governmenal officials had never heard about that species of birds. Then, they tried another national association, which
39 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
turned down again because a 10-years of consecutive bird-watching records are needed for application. Later they called the CBCGDF. The next day, we hosted a workshop in Beijing, to discuss the Great Bustards' conservation there, and gave them flags, title, did a press release, and gave them a small sum of money. When they returned back town, they celebrated the establishment of the CCAfa, which was of first of its kind, and advertised the knowledge of Great Bustards to local people. They even make signages to educate people it's illegal to hunt any great bustard, those who violates will be reported and put into jail according to law.
Every year, before the arrival of the Great Bustard in October, those CCAfa volunteers patrol for the birds day and night volunteeringly, in the slogon that "No Bird Left Behind". Through uninterrupted patrols day and night, assisting the public security bereaus in catching poachers, entering villages and doing bird protection propaganda and education, preventing poisoning and dismantling bird nets, the migratory birds wintering here are with few death. Such daily patrols will continue throughout the autumn and winter until the bustard leaves the plains and flies to the breeding ground in the north. Globally, there're about 800 orential subspecies of Great Bustards, among them around 200 those birds winter in there annually.
The second example is that the local government was planning building a Water Conservancy Scenic Spot, which means lots of construction and destroy of natural habitats will be followed. Worried, the volunteers asked the CBCGDF for help. Then the CBCGDF sent multiple official letters to the local government related other authorities, asking them to be cautious in planning because the construction destroys the Great Bustards' habitats. The CBCGDF applied for information disclosure on the project's environmental impact assessment report on the construction of the Changyuan Yellow River Water Conservancy Scenic Area, to ensure that there is no conflict between the construction of the scenic area project and the protection of the Great Bustard. The problem was settled later.
The third example is that CBCGDF host political advisory and draft proposal meetings annually, to gather people's opinions to China's top political advisory bodies - China's Two Sessions which held in every March. Many grassroots' opinion will be reflected to the country's lawmakers via the dialogue platform.
(8) Bridge Dialogue between Volunteers and Science/Policy to Advance Conservation
Volunteers have a lot of opportunities to sample, which can be of great help to scientific research.
For example, volunteers in Qinghai-Tibet Platau helped scientists to obtain samples of Przewalski's Gazelles, which later helped scientists to research their full sequencing to advance conservation.
(see: Xiang Z, Yang J, Ikhumhen H O, Sheng C. Wong L. Ren X. Zhou J. Wang W. Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Przewalski’s gazelle ( Procapra przewalskii )[J]. Conservation Genetics Resources, 2018:1-3.) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12686-018-1014-3
40 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Another example is the Baiji Dolphin. CBCGDF organizes citizen scientific expeditions composed of volunteers in the past 3 years, looking for Baiji Dolphin, a critically endangered Chinese river dolphin in the Yangtze River which has been announced "functionally extinct" in 2007. Also known as the Goddess of Yangtze, it's an indicator of a healthy freshwater ecosystem. On consistent efforts, it was finally spotted and photographed in eastern Anhui Province in Apr 2018. The re-discovery alerted scientists and policy makers. Because there're so many hazardous in the Yangtze River endangered its freshwater dolphins - illegal electrofishing, fishing nets with tiny holes, busy sand dwellers are so commonly seen in that waters. All these endangering factors are very dangerous not only to the Baiji, but also Finless Porpoise and many other species.
After sighting of Baiji, the CBCGF has sent official letters to the United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee, Ministry of Agriculture, and Yangtze River Maritime Bureau etc, calling for their policy support to local conservation efforts. These holistic approaches turned out to be a victory - On Jan 16, the Yangtze River Maritime Bureau officially announced to cancel a berthing area for ships in the Heishazhou waters in order to protect the endangered species and their natural habitats. [related English news reports:]
2018: Iconic species return to China's natural habitat (2018.12.24) https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514f774d544e31457a6333566d54/share_p.html Photo raises hopes for survival of the 'Goddess of the Yangtze' （2018.5.29） http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201805/29/WS5b0c9d25a31001b82571cca4.html “Extinct” Goddess of the Yangtze river dolphin photographed alive (2018.5.9) http://www.animals24-7.org/2018/05/09/extinct-goddess-of-the-yangtze-river-dolphin-photographed- alive/ Xinhua: Feature: Hope prevails for the baiji dolphin's comeback （2018.5.8） http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-05/08/c_137163770.htm
(9) Provide Capacity Building sessions for Volunteers and grassroot Environmentalists
The CBCGDF hosts capacity-building sessions every year. For example, we have trained hundreds of environmental lawyers and grassroot NGO leaders via Environmental Public Interest Litigation Kownledge Training sessions; we hosted several Wildlife Rescue Lectures for volunteers in the past 3 years, etc. By capacity building, more and more volunteers are capable of better carry out environmental protection and conservation-related work.
(10) For Next Generation Volunteers: Green Great and Green Youth
Green Great is a global platform that CBCGDF established to encourage colleague students' environmental protection efforts. Those volunteers carry on environmtal practice in and out campus.
Green Children means CBCGDF's children volunteers. The organisation established dozens of educational bases supported by elementary schools to do environmental education. This is a report about Children's activity before 2018's Katowice Climate Change Conference:
41 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Young Chinese embrace new attitudes towards environmental protection (2018.12.6) https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414f7849544d31457a6333566d54/share_p.html?from=singlemessage &isappinstalled=0
(11) Volunteers Assist China's Law Enforcement
When it comes to fast decline of species, we can always see that it's not the lack of wildlife protection laws and regulations, but the lack of enforcement. People's participation is the key to the success of conservation.
I will give an example. For a long time, eletro-fishing has been rampant in China. There're many laws and regulations, but understaffed government bodies, weak law enforcement forces can hardly do much about it. In China, there are such a group of lovely people who are silently and anonymously contributing to the protection of freshwater species and ecology. We call them "anti-eletro-fishing warriors". Many of them are fishing enthusiasts; they hate the illegal eletro-fishing behaviors that kills off all fish and even unborne eggs in one shock. Therefore, no matter day or night, they are fighting on the front line to crack down on illegal fishing practices such as eletro-fishing, poisoning, and fish bombing.
The CBCGDF FDY network is composed of nearly 20,000 volunteers in mainland China. By December 2018, the CBCGDF volunteers assisted fishery authorities in more than 10 Chinese provinces along the Yangtze River Basin, uncovering nearly 1,000 cases of illegal electric fishing (accounted for China's total cases according to official statistics); they assisted local fishery authorities in carrying out 730 joint law enforcement operations, with more than 15,100 volunteers participating in the whole year; and cooperated with patrols along rivers and lakes for more than 80,000 km.
These lovely volunteers, overcome the difficulties encountered in protecting aquatic wildlife, adhere to the belief that "never give up ultil eletro-fishing totally stop", and continue to move forward in order to protect fish resources. It is the efforts of our volunteers that effectively promote the sustainable development of freshwater eco-systems. Their efforts received confirmation - on the past Christmas Day, the CBCGDF Anti-electro-Fishing Collaboration Center received a thanks letter from China's Ministry of Agriculture, which formally highly praised their efforts and achievements.
(12) Using Technology to Improve Conservation by Public Participation
Example: A Milestone APP "RiverEye" launched on iOS and Android to Combat Illegal Fishing. Technology helps fighting illegal wildlife poaching. To encourage public participation in fighting illegal fishing, an APP called "RiverEye" is launched on iOS and Android systems by CBCGDF's Anti- Electrofishing Collabration Center (or FDY) on Feb 1st 2019. The free-of-charge APP is based on field experiences and practices over the past year by the Center, which is a platform composed of ~20,000 registered CBCGDF volunteers. With strong support from CBCGDF and professional technical team, it was initially formed and now open for trial operation on the Apple Store and Android Platforms.
Aiming to safeguarding freshwater ecosystem, this is China's first APP tailored for the general public use to record illegal fishing and protect aquatic wildlife. It can also display real-timely hotspot maps, illustrate
42 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
distribution of aquatic animal activities, provide latest information and other popular science and life tips to the public. The RiverEye features eight functions: (1) Acquisition of illegal fishing, illegal sand dredging, sewage discharge and other adverse events on waters. (2) One-click reporting and accurately identifying illegal behaviors. (3) Provide interfaces for swift law enforcement. (4) Collect information of sighting of protected freshwater wildlife and automatically produce distribution maps.(5) Artifical Inteligence on Fish Species Identify System.(6) Recording personal fishing places and interest points.(7) Records of Patrol.(8) Big-data analysis and demo functions. It turned out to be a nightmare for illegal fishers!
24. Conserve Food Biodiversity Conservation in Post-2020 and ITPGRFA/CBD Synergies
Food and agricultural biodiversity are one of the most valuable resources on the planet, and the conservation of plant genetic resources for food and crops is an important element of biodiversity conservation. In recent years, the Chinese government has attached great importance to the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, and has made important breakthroughs in systematic cataloging, gene banks, and conservation of endangered resources. As one of the centers of the world's eight major crops’ origins, the protection, development and utilization of China's grain and crop genetic resources have long-term and profound implications.
China was one of the first parties to sign and ratify conventions including the Convention on Biological Diversity. China also ratified the ground-breaking Nagoya Protocol. China has not yet joined ITPGRFA. The CBCGDF believes it's very important to advance the process. That's why the NGO established this seminar on March 4th 2019, partly aims to bridge the dialogue between China's relevant authorities, scientific communities and the ITPGRFA to exchange ideas for the betterment of mutual understandings and joint efforts.
Under such a circumstance, this seminar aimed to promote China's conservation and benefit sharing of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, promote China's agro-ecological security and biodiversity conservation, and effectively participate in global environmental governance. It gathered experts and scholars from relevant fields and representatives of government departments to conduct academic exchanges and discussions. At the same time, the participants also dedicated their suggestions on the CBD COP15; the representatives from different sides also discussed on co-organizing the side event for the theme of agriculture and biodiversity conservation during the CBD COP15.
43 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Synergies between ITPGRFA and Convention on Biological Diversity | “Conservation and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Focusing on Agricultural Biodiversity in Post-2020” Seminar
2019/3/7 14:59:00 本站 http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5012/7838.html
On March 4th, the Seminar themed on “Conservation and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Focusing on Agricultural Biodiversity After 2020” co-organized by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) and Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS) as held in Beijing as scheduled. Representatives attending the event were from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, heads of relevant departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, heads from CBCGDF and BAAFS, as well as representatives from scientific research institutions and universities such as Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Beijing Forestry University, China Agricultural University, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, etc.
Mr. Xie Boyang, State Council Counselor, head of CBCGDF, former Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Lv Keqin, CBCGDF expert, Major General of the Air Force, Mr. Zhang Yanqiu, Director of Bureau of Seed Management of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr. Kent Nnadozie, Secretary of FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), Dr. Vincent Martin, FAO Representative in China and DPR Korea attended the meeting and delivered keynote speeches.
Mr. Kent Nnadozie gave a keynote speech on the far-reaching impact of plant genetic resources on the sustainable development of food and agriculture for humanity and the importance of the International Treaty.
Zhang Zongwen, a researcher from Crop Science Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences gave a keynote titled "Access and benefit-sharing Of Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture under the multilateral system", Xue Dayuan, a professor from School of Life and Environmental Sciences of Central University for Nationalities gave a keynote titled "Synergies between CBD and ITPGRFA", Ms. Wei Guihong, Director of the Center for Biological Sciences and Director of the Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomics Breeding of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences gave a keynote titled "Protection Biodiversity for Our Common Future", Ding Lubin from Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of Chinese Academy of Sciences gave a keynote titled "Agricultural cultural heritage pathway for biodiversity conservation". At the same time, several panels discussed themed on "What preparations does China need to join ITPGRFA", "Conservation and s Ustainable use of agricultural plant genetics", "Synergies between ITPGRFA and
44 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Convention on Biological Diversity under the post-2020 biodiversity framework" also explores how to help China's food and agriculture plant biodiversity conservation from multiple angles and levels.
This seminar is not only the latest and most cutting-edge information about agricultural genetic resources sharing at home and abroad, but also the collision of high-end experts in the agricultural field. It has built an important communication platform for the protection of plant genetic resources. Through this platform, people from related fields at home and abroad will realize mutual access and dialogue, while seeking international cooperation. It will also promote the development of relevant policies and regulations to achieve the goal of sustainable agriculture and food security beyond 2020.
At the end of the meeting, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary-General of CBCGDF expressed his gratitude to the guests from all walks of life and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the FAO and the Senior Vice President of Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Mr. Wang Ren for their help and support. In the meantime, he invited everybody to attend a special meeting to discuss the issues related to hosting side events on agriculture and biodiversity conservation during the CBD COP15. As a platform, CBCGDF is willing to continue to provide services and support to all experts, the public, etc.
Welcome to follow CBCGDF Wechat account ChinaGreenExpress, more exciting content in this seminar will be offered.
Before the meeting, Dr. Martin and ITPGRFA Secretary Mr. Kent Nnadozie, co-organizers of the seminar, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng (second from left), Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), and Dean of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS) (first from right) exchanged views.
FAO Representative in China and DPR Korea Dr. Vincent Martin: We Would Like to Invite and Encourage China Consider Joining ITPGRFA | “Conservation and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Focusing on Agricultural Biodiversity After 2020” Seminar
2019/3/7 13:33:00 本站 http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5012/7837.html
After careful preparation, on March 4th, the Seminar themed on “Conservation and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Focusing on Agricultural Biodiversity After 2020” co- organized by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) and Beijing 45 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS) was finally successfully held in Beijing. Attendees at home and abroad include officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, heads of relevant departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, heads from CBCGDF and BAAFS, as well as representatives from scientific research institutions and universities such as Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Beijing Forestry University, China Agricultural University, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, etc.
Everyone gathered together to promote China’s conservation and benefit sharing of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, promote China’s agro-ecological security and biodiversity conservation, and effectively participate in global environmental governance. At the same time, attendees from various fields also made suggestions on the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nation's Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15), which will be held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China in late 2020. To this end, it is planned to hold a special meeting this summer to discuss the issues related to hosting side events on agriculture and biodiversity conservation during the CBD COP15.
Among the FAO officials attending the meeting, including FAO Representative in China and DPR Korea Dr. Vincent Martin. In the opening speech, he first expressed his appreciation briefly in Chinese, followed by a brief introduction about the functions of FAO. He also elaborated the status quo of FAO’s contact with China, and the FAO’s International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in an incision way. He ended his speech with the expression that in terms of China’s development and status as a big country, China is welcome to join the International Treaty. Here, the speech of Dr. Martin is organized into Chinese as follows to share with readers:
Did you know that, of some 6000-plant species cultivated for food, less than 200 contributed to global food output, and only 9 such as sugarcane, maize, rice, wheat, potato, soybean etc. accounted for 66% of total crop products? The trend is toward uniformity – although the world is producing more food than that in the past, it is relying on ever-expanding monocultures.
It’s more worrying that the biodiversity is crucial for our food and agriculture is disappearing by the day. FAO, under guidance of Commission of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, launches first ever global report on the state of biodiversity that underpins our food systems.
Biodiversity and ecosystem services are indispensable for sustainable production in the agriculture sector. They are necessary for the provision of food and other agricultural products, and for sustaining the livelihoods of those who depend on them. Biodiversity also contributes to maintaining ecosystem health, addressing climate challenges and combatting land degradation.
Today, the foundation of our Food System is under threat. The natural resources that underpin the food and agriculture sector are already under pressure: one-third of agricultural land is degraded, agriculture uses 70 percent of all water withdrawal, and the sector is a major contributor to the global greenhouse gas emissions. The acceleration in productivity growth that is needed to provide for a growing population is hampered by the degradation of natural resources and climate change.
We need to change our practices:
46 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
- growing interest by governments - slowly changing o sustainable forest management o sustainable fisheries o agro-ecology
· Less biodiversity means that plants and animals are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. In the case of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, genetic erosion is taking place as a result of land clearing, population pressure, overgrazing, and environmental degradation and changing agricultural practices. A lot more remains to be done in terms of identification, dereferencing, characterization, and inventory of plant genetic resources, as well as the conservation and sustainable use of them.
· The FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is a key corporate instrument that provides a legally binding international framework for conserving, sustainably using and equitably sharing the benefits from crucial plant genetic resources, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, while recognising Farmer′s Rights.
· The Treaty’s goals to conserve, use and exchange of genetic diversity are crucial to the achievement of FAO’s Strategic Objectives.
· The International Treaty also directly contributes to the achievement of SDG 2 – promoting sustainable agriculture and working to end hunger, and of SDG 15 – halting the loss of crop biodiversity. In addition, the activities, programs and projects supported by the International Treaty also contribute towards achieving SDG 5 – working to achieve gender equality, SDG 13 – supporting projects that combat climate change, and SDG 1 – working to end poverty.
· Through its Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing, the Plant Treaty provides a global platform that enables countries to access the plant diversity they need to develop new varieties so they can address future needs and withstand future environmental challenges regarding food and nutrition security. These include large collections of rice, wheat, maize and potato, and other food and agricultural crops and forages of importance for China.
· It entered into forced 15 years ago and currently has 145 countries and the European Union as members. Most Asian countries are members of the International Treaty, the latest ratification was by Mongolia in December 2018, and Japan is currently coordinating the region. The next meeting of the Governing Body of the Treaty will take place in Rome in November 2019.
· At present, FAO in China is managing 7 on-going GEF projects in support of biodiversity conservation in farmland, water, lake, forest, mountain, and wetland ecosystem, supported by GEF project portfolio with a total funding of 27 million USD. Under GEF 6, FAO will be supporting the conservation and sustainable use of crop genetic resources in the Rice Production Area (Yunnan Province), Millets and Oats Production Area (Hebei Province) and Soybeans Production Area (Liaoning/ Heilongjiang Provinces). With the 7th GEF replenishment starting in 2018, an Impact Program on Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration is also under development with a target budget of 15 million USD and an objective of
47 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
biodiversity conservation in agricultural system.
· At FAO, we stand ready to continue working with China and member countries to promote multi- stakeholder, cross-sectoral and international cooperation in support of biodiversity conservation, including at genetic levels. Given the strong commitment from China, as well as China’s growing international role, we would like to invite and encourage China consider joining this enabling agreement of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
With this, I wish the Seminar a complete success. Thank you for your attention.
Before the meeting, Dr. Martin and ITPGRFA Secretary Mr. Kent Nnadozie, co-organizers of the seminar, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng (second from left), Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), and Dean of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS) (first from right) exchanged views.
Video remarks in details: Welcome China to join ITPGRFA (photos and video credit: CBCGDF, please indicate the source.) (Welcome to follow CBCGDF Wechat account ChinaGreenExpress, more exciting content in this seminar will be offered.) Original Chinese article: http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4937/7832.html Translated By / Niu Jingmei
A Thanks Note from the ITPGRFA
发件人: jz
发自我的 iPhone
------Original ------From: Nnadozie, Kent (CBDT)
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Dear Jinfeng,
I just wanted to send a brief note to thank you so much for your warm hospitality and support in ensuring the success of my recent visit to China and the interaction with relevant government officials and stakeholders.
Thanks, in large part, to your initiative as well as the preparatory and on-the-ground support, the mission went smoothly, thus providing a valuable opportunity for dialogue and laying the foundation for the possible ratification of the Treaty by China.
The contributions and questions you posed during the meeting were extremely useful and will help us in better understanding the practical opportunities on how to follow up.
I am very pleased that CBCGDF has been and continued to be a strong supporter of the FAO International Treaty and that our collaboration is getting stronger. I am sure that our partnership and joint efforts will contribute to furthering this objective.
Regarding the efforts to facilitate China joining the Treaty, we will certainly appreciate any further input or advice you could provide, including encouraging, whenever the opportunity avails itself, relevant government officials.
As discussed, in order to consolidate on the progress made, I am considering a follow up with a further visit during the first week of July. The FAO Assistant Director General, Rene Castro, has also indicated his availability to join the mission this time.
In coordination with our colleagues in FAO China, we are committed to strengthening our collaboration, especially in the context of the broader strategic partnership with FAO and hope that we can continue to seek your cooperation and support.
Kind regards,
Kent.
------Kent Nnadozie Secretary International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy
49 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
25. GBIF and Biodiversity Informatics
China.org Reports: Chinese NGO contributes biodiversity data to global platform10
China.org.cn, July 11, 2018
Adjust font size:
The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, a leading Chinese non-profit in its field, has contributed significant data about Chinese endangered species to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an international open biodiversity data network, according to a press conference held on Tuesday.
The press conference came after GBIF announced that as of July 4, its species occurrence records surpassed 1 billion. GBIF executive secretary Donald Hobern said access to the 1 billion records, together with big data analyses, can provide an effective reference for global biodiversity conservation, helping to form a dynamic network for global users free of charge.
On July 9, the Biodiversity Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the only associate participant of GBIF in China, endorsed CBCGDF as the publisher of GBIF data.
This year, the CBCGDF contributed records of a baiji dolphin, seen on April 18, to the GBIF system. This is the first time visual records and observation data about the species have been obtained since the species was declared extinct in 2007. The last GBIF record of the Chinese river dolphin was in December 1921.
The foundation also contributed for the first time new data on the Chinese pangolin to inaturalist.org, a second-tier platform of the GBIF, 34 years after GBIF's last record of the species – a dead specimen found in 1984. The Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered species, previously seen often in the wild in China, but rarely spotted over the past 20 years.
The recent pangolin observation was recorded on the evening of May 28, when two young men spotted an injured pangolin and reported it to the local forestry authorities immediately in southeastern China’s Jiangxi province. After proper treatment, the pangolin was released into the wild.
Meanwhile, GBIF has abundant data on the great bustard bird, but records from China have been scant.
10 Chinese NGO contributes biodiversity data to global platform （2018.7.11） http://www.china.org.cn/china/2018-07/11/content_56190366.htm 50 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
The number of great bustards in Asia is less than 1,000, with observation records mainly occurring in northern China, Mongolia and far eastern Russia.
Then CBCGDF contributed a significant 394 occurrence records on the bird to inaturalist.org by including the public in an observation activity held on Jan. 13, 2018, thereby setting an example of encouraging "citizen scientists" to participate in biodiversity observation and data recording.
GBIF and CBCGDF believe sharing more Chinese biodiversity data will contribute to the realization of the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals, and will also lay a solid foundation for the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, to be held in China in 2020.
As the largest and most influential network of biodiversity information services in the world, the GBIF, established in 2001, shares raw biodiversity data and integrates relevant databases from around the world to form an open platform, thus promoting biodiversity research, conservation and sustainable utilization.
The GBIF Data Entry Results Conference Organized by CBCGDF Attracted Strong Response and was Widely Reported by Many Well-known Medias
2018/7/29 19:53:00 本站 http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5010/5762.html
Since CBCGDF recently organized a jointly celebration conference for the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)’s records’ surpassing the one billion milestone mark (GBIF1billion), and the successful entry of the data of the most representative endangered species in China (Baiji dolphin, Chinese pangolin, great bustard), a number of domestic and foreign medias have covered multi-angle reports on this historically significant event.
At the conference, the second from left is Donald Hobern, the Executive Secretary of GBIF, and the first from right is Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the SG of CBCGDF (Photo: CBCGDF)
Recently, a report published in China Environment News entitled “Global Biodiversity Information Facility Data Breakthrough of 1 Billion – Chinese Pangolin, Baiji Dolphin, and Great Bustard Data Got Entry” was published in the section “Beautiful China” of the newspaper (see details http://news.cenews.com.cn/html/2018-07/17/content_74464.htm). media report screenshot (Photo China Environment News).png Media report screenshot (Photo: China Environment News)
51 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
The report published in the Gongyi Shibao uses the title “Global Biodiversity Information Facility to Break Through 1 Billion, CBCGDF’s Chinese Pangolin, Baiji Dolphin, and Great Bustard Data Got Entry” (see details http://www.gongyishibao.com/html/gongyizixun/14356.html). media report screenshot.png Media report screenshot (Photo: Gongyi Shibao)
The Paper made a reprint report titled “Milestone: CBCGDF Becomes the Official Data Publisher of GBIF” in the first time, and started with “Good news: CBCGDF has been officially accepted by GBIF as its data publisher” lead the full text (see details https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2255307).
Hong Kong’s JDONLINE published the news that “Global Biodiversity Information Facility Data Breaks Through 1 Billion, Chinese Pangolin, Baiji Dolphin, and Great Bustard Data Got Entry” (see details http://new.jdonline.com.hk/index.php?m=wap&siteid=1m=wap&c=index&a=show&catid=23&typeid=3&id =40000&from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0 ）.
At the same time, china.com.cn/china.org.cn published two related reports in both Chinese and English, “Global Biodiversity Information Facility Exceeded 1 Billion, CBCGDF’s Data Got Entry” and “Chinese NGO Contributes Biodiversity Data to Global Platform” (see details http://t.m.china.com.cn/convert/c_9jH30z66.html and http://www.china.org.cn/china/2018- 07/11/content_56190366.htm ).
media report screenshot (Photo China org cn).png Media report screenshot (Photo: china.org.cn)
On this historic event, CBCGDF’s colleagues published a series of Chinese texts to record, motivate and precipitate, in order to further carry out the data entry work on GBIF platform. The international colleague of CBCGDF also published a rich and full-length text “Sharing Data with the World: the ‘1 Billion Data’ Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)” on the official English website of CBCGDF to record (see details http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5012/5642.html ).
At the historic moment, CBCGDF will mobilize more civil power and resources to engage more “citizen scientists” in biodiversity observations and data records. At the same time, we must ensure that the primary task is not only to provide more and better data, but also to fill the gap and contribute to the practical creation of "a community of shared future for mankind".
Data entry of the Chinese pangolin Qiqi and projects involved Citizen Scientist (Photo CBCGDF).jpg Data entry of the Chinese pangolin “Qiqi” and projects involved “Citizen Scientists” (Photo: CBCGDF) webpage.png
GBIF fixed its homepage as "Qiqi" to congratulate CBCGDF on the successful entry of Chinese pangolin data (Photo: www.gbif.org)
52 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
26. Saving Dark Sky by reducing Light Pollution: it’s a Heritage; it’s vital for Migratory Species
CBCGDF established a Dark & Starry Sky Committee in 2015, to help protect the country's dark night and prevent excessive light pollution.
IDA Reports: International Dark-Sky Association Recognizes 2017 Award Winners 11
The Crawford-Hunter Lifetime Achievement Award commemorates IDA Co-Founder and former Executive Director, Dr. David L. Crawford, and IDA Co-Founder and former President of the IDA Board of Directors, Dr. Tim B. Hunter, for their pioneering leadership in protecting the night sky and reducing light pollution and the indelible mark they have left. This award represents the highest honor that IDA bestows to individuals who, in the course of their lifetime, have contributed an extraordinary effort to light pollution abatement.
The Crawford-Hunter Award is presented posthumously to Xiaohua Wang of China. Wang was instrumental in the founding of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Dark Sky Committee in Beijing. “As the pioneer of China’s dark and starry sky protection, the CBCGDF helped to establish the country’s first Dark-Sky Protected Areas in Naqu and Ali area in Tibet in 2016,” said IDA’s Award Committee Chair and Board Member, Connie Walker.
Here’re some of its efforts.
Suggesting Legislation on Light Pollution to Conserve Starry Sky: A Draft Proposal to China’s 2019 Two-Sessions by CBCGDF Dark & Starry Sky Committee
(Already submitted to China’s Top Political Advisory Body in late February 2019 by
Lawmakers)
In the last century, excessive uses of lighting have caused tremendous disruption and destruction to the
11 International Dark-Sky Association Recognizes 2017 Award Winners (2017.10.11) http://darksky.org/international-dark-sky-association-recognizes-2017-award-winners/ 53 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
night environment of human and the entire biosphere. As a result, two-thirds of cities globally have lost sights of galaxies and constellations. It is the light pollution that disturbs animal and plant ecology and human health, causes energy waste and the poor sight of beautiful night sky, when millions of children have never seen the real galaxy from where they live. Not only has the growing and widespread use of artificial lighting been affecting our observation of the universe, but threatening our environment and energy, safety and health.
To this end, the Dark & Starry Sky Committee of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF Dark & Starry Sky Committee) has put forward a proposal to legislate on light pollution, attract attention and support for the protection of night and the development of Star Culture. It is hoped that this proposal will arouse the attention and get support of the representatives of the "Two Sessions(NPC & CPPCC)".
Suggestions on Legislation of Light Pollution and Concern and Support for the Protection of Night Sky
[cause of action] As early as the 1930s, the concept of light pollution has been put forward by the international astronomy community.
Light pollution is a side-effect of industrial civilization. Its sources include building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, commercial real estate, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues. In fact, many outdoor lighting at night is excessively bright, used inefficiently on inappropriate or even unneeded targets or shading. Consequently, this kind of use of light and electricity is responsible for a considerable amount of energy wasted in the sky, rather than directing on given visual tasks as needed.
For three billion years, the rhythm of life is orchestrated by the natural diurnal patterns of light and dark. Now artificial light illuminates the darkness, and our cities glow at night, destroying the natural diurnal pattern and challenging the delicate balance of our environment. The adverse effects of natural loses seem intangible, but evidences linked to measurable negative impacts increase, including energy consumption, disruption of organisms and ecosystems, threat to human health and safety. Besides, resulted in extra heat into atmosphere, light pollution is also responsible for the global climate change.
[text] Like other countries in the world, China's light pollution has been intensely unpleasant. From the satellite imaging, the luminance of the night sky of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other big cities in China is no less than that of New York and Paris; the light pollution in the economically developed areas of the mid-east region has been cluttered; even in some places, where the urbanization process is relatively fast, situations of light pollution are severe. Accordingly, many young people born in cities after the 1980s have never caught sight of a star-filled sky, and many observatories in the suburbs have been abandoned or disturbed. In addition, as the night city lights are getting continuously brighter, a greater impact on astronomical observation has occurred. Some of the stars which used to be easily observed have turned invisible, leading to a descending efficiency of astronomical telescopes combined with reduction of the "magnitude" of the observed stars and planets. In order to improve the accuracy of observation, we have to increase the aperture of astronomical telescopes as well as transfer the
54 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
astronomical observatories to remote areas, which undoubtedly raises the cost of observation and resource consumption. Therefore, controlling light pollution plays a significantly important role in astronomy.
At present, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and other parts of the world, various institutions and organizations are carrying out the promotion of the protection of the night sky. Controlling light pollution and protecting the night time environment is a new topic that the international community has begun to pay attention to. There are three main levels to control light pollution internationally: First, lighting pollution should be curbed by national legislation.
The second is to normalize light use by administrative measures. For instance, Seoul, Korea, divides the city into six types of light environment control zones. Managements of big cities such as New York and London often make detailed regulations on the opening time of building lights, the form of lamps and the distance of light sources from houses.
Thirdly, we ought to encourage and support organizations, including the International Night Association (IDA) and the Night Advisory Committee of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), to conduct publicity.
The eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China put forward the strategic goal of building a beautiful China. Starry sky is not only a kind of profound natural beauty, but also a natural accomplishment formed by the national spirit. The history and culture of thousands of years of human looking up to the sky should not be lost in our generation.
Beautiful China needs beautiful starry sky. In September 2015, in order to promote the participation of social forces in public welfare undertakings, jointly promote biodiversity conservation and green development, and comprehensively implement the overall goal of national ecological civilization construction, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation formally established the Star Space Working Committee, named Dark & Starry Sky Committee of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF Dark & Starry Sky Committee). After its establishment, the Working Committee actively promotes the establishment and popularization of the "Dark Sky Protected Areas" in Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Zhejiang, Shanxi, Jiangsu and Jiangxi, protects the wildlife and habitat environment damaged and affected by light pollution, and issues the "Dark Sky Protected Areas Project Standard" which is suitable for China to carry out dark sky protection projects in accordance with international standards. It sets up the construction and evaluation standards and certification management methods of dark sky places, actively carries out exchanges and cooperation with relevant international organizations and agencies and coordinates relations with various places and institutions. The Working Committee also integrates social forces to lead the development of China's night environmental protection and star culture industry.
In general, however, it is not enough to control light pollution and protect the night time environment only by the full support and advocation of civil society and organizations. This work should be done at the country level, attracting more attention to light pollution and night environmental protection, and gaining
55 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
more guidance and support to social organizations.
[Recommendations]
1. To determine the competent authority(ies) in charge Dark Sky Protection and Star Sky Culture is a cross-border area which involves diverse fields. Based on the international experience, the insufficient scientific education relating to light pollution and night sky is a prominent social issue, which requires long-term efforts to improve. Domestically, as for reality, CBCGDF Dark & Starry Sky Committee is currently working as the only specialized agency to advocate and promote, and the China Association for Science and Technology along with some of its affiliated institutions have also given support and cooperated. We recommend that China Association for Science and Technology, serving as the leading and guiding organization, cooperate to provide strong guidance and support in controlling light pollution, promoting night sky protection and culture in China. We also recommend that the relevant departments of the state should clarify and implement it.
2. To set up special projects.
In September 2016, the Chinese Association of Science and Technology (CAST) put forward that dark sky protection and star culture should be regarded as innovative projects in Tibet assistance, which will introduce new ideas and create new highlights for environmental protection and social development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is suggested that special or comprehensive projects should be established on a wider scale and at a higher level, so as to make them truly a national project. The "Dark Sky Protected Areas" project will make up for the shortcomings of optical observation in China, accumulate experience for exploring light pollution control, enhance China's voice in international light pollution research and control, and show the image of a responsible big country to the world.
3. To forming a joint force of work and promotion.
From international experience and domestic pilot projects, dark sky protection sites are generally established on the basis of the original national parks, natural ecological areas or tourist attractions. The investment and construction are not large, but the dark sky protection site involves many aspects of work. Such as: need the support of local government or scenic area leaders, need to coordinate the relationship with the original natural ecological area or scenic area, need lighting experts and manufacturers to assist in the construction or transformation of outdoor lighting facilities, need to give appropriate guidance in the organization of popular science and tourism activities, and promote the publicity of popular science at social level, etc.
4. To innovate star culture industry
It is suggested that a special "Star Culture Industry Fund" be jointly set up by the government and social forces to develop a number of dark sky protection sites near large and medium-sized cities in about five years to provide urban residents, especially children, with a space science popularization and tourism
56 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
base. Therefore, we should strengthen guidance and form a sustainable development with public welfare as the guide and industry as the support, which has Chinese characteristic.
5. To strengthen international contacts and cooperation.
Over the past few years, the Star Working Committee of China Green Fair has continuously participated in the annual meeting of the International Night Association and delivered keynote speeches, introducing China's work and efforts in the protection of the night sky, which has been widely recognized and affirmed by the international community. At the same time, it has made the international community understand China's attitude and work as a responsible big country, and suggested that China should be strengthened and expanded its efforts.
6. To legislate on prevention and control of light pollution.
The formulation of laws and regulations for the prevention and control of light pollution in China lags behind. It is urgent to promulgate regulations and standards for urban lighting and energy consumption. The lag and absence of relevant laws and regulations make it difficult to quantify the standards and hazards of light pollution, the subject who should be found to solve the hazards caused by light pollution, and how to punish the manufacture and production of light pollution without specific guiding regulations and opinions. It is suggested that urban lighting standards and lighting industry standards should be amended or legislated separately.
(1) It is suggested that the law should be amended to strengthen the harmfulness of light pollution, to determine the subject of legal responsibility and the responsibility of administrative organs, etc.
(2) To formulate the "Standards for the Quality of the Light Environment", which is the basic standard for the prevention and control of light pollution. On this basis, we should formulate relevant standards for light pollution discharge and monitoring methods. At the same time, social organizations qualified with publishing standards are encouraged to participate in the formulation and publication of relevant standards to effectively promote the prevention and control of light pollution.
(3) To formulate policies and principles including prevention and control principles, planning and administrative supervision, especially to encourage social organizations to participate in the prevention and control of light pollution;
(4) Setting up a mechanism for resolving complaints and disputes, and the liability for damages, etc.
(5) Clearly encourage technological innovation in light pollution prevention and control, including prevention and absorption of light pollution.
At the same time, in addition to formulating relevant laws and regulations for light pollution in urban areas, we suggest that we should accelerate the formulation of relevant laws and regulations or guidance for dark sky environmental protection in special areas (such as scientific research and observation sites, natural habitats, dark sky protection areas, etc.).
57 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Translator: Jia Yueran Editor: Wang Yanqing
CGTN REPORTS: China's first dark sky reserve aims to curb light pollution
2018-01-11 15:43CGTN Editor: Gu Liping ECNS App Download
China is developing one of the world's largest dark sky reserves to combat light pollution and create an ambient location for astronomical observation.
According to a research paper published in Science Advances, the amount of artificially lit up outdoor area grew worldwide by an annual average of 2.2 percent from 2012 to 2016, increasing light pollution.
The increase in artificial lighting has brightened the skies to the extent that nearly two-thirds of city populations are unable to see constellations and the Milky Way.
According to the study, areas where the Milky Way was completely obscured include the London to Leeds/Liverpool region of England and the areas surrounding Beijing, Hong Kong and Taiwan in China.
Last year, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) started a project to create a dark sky reserve in a bid to preserve the visibility of starry nights. The initiative is aimed at curbing light pollution while also raising awareness about it.
The reserve spreads over 2,500 square kilometers in area at Ngari, Tibet Autonomous Region, which borders India and Nepal.
China is developing one of the world's largest dark sky reserves to combat light pollution and create an ambient location for astronomical observation.
According to a research paper published in Science Advances, the amount of artificially lit up outdoor area grew worldwide by an annual average of 2.2 percent from 2012 to 2016, increasing light pollution.
The increase in artificial lighting has brightened the skies to the extent that nearly two-thirds of city populations are unable to see constellations and the Milky Way.
According to the study, areas where the Milky Way was completely obscured include the London to Leeds/Liverpool region of England and the areas surrounding Beijing, Hong Kong and Taiwan in China.
Last year, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) started a project to create a dark sky reserve in a bid to preserve the visibility of starry nights. The initiative is 58 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
aimed at curbing light pollution while also raising awareness about it.
The reserve spreads over 2,500 square kilometers in area at Ngari, Tibet Autonomous Region, which borders India and Nepal.
27. Joint efforts to Save Migratory Species: CBCGDF and CMS
CMS.int Reports: CMS Signs First Partnership Agreement with Chinese NGO12
Zhou Jinfeng and Bradnee Chambers sign CMS - CBCGDF partnership agreement © Aydin Bahramlouian
Zhou Jinfeng and Bradnee Chambers sign CMS - CBCGDF partnership agreement in Bonn, Germany © Aydin Bahramlouian
Bonn, 9 November 2016 - CMS and the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) signed a Partnership Agreement today to formalize their cooperation to better protect migratory animals and their habitats. CBCGDF will thereby become the first formal Chinese NGO partner of CMS.
CMS Executive Secretary, Bradnee Chambers, and CBCGDF Secretary General, Zhou Jinfeng, signed the agreement in the margins of the 45th Meeting of the CMS Standing Committee taking place from 9 to 10 November in Bonn, Germany.
Mr. Chambers said: “China is one of the most megadiverse countries in the world with more than 200 CMS listed species and has a rich cultural and scientific heritage. It engages in extensive work to conserve and manage the world’s resources of wild animal species. Our first agreement with a Chinese partner aims to explore the countries huge potential by involving it even more in conserving migratory species and their habitats across the region.”
12 CMS Signs First Partnership Agreement with Chinese NGO (2016.11) https://www.cms.int/en/news/cms-signs-first-partnership-agreement-chinese-ngo
CMS new partnership with China (2017.1) http://www.cms.int/iosea-turtles/dugong/sites/default/files/publication/cami_newsletter_jan_2017.pdf 59 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Mr. Zhou said: “We look forward to working with CMS to promote the transboundary conservation of migratory animals, especially with regards to migratory birds and iconic CMS species such as the Snow Leopard and the Saiga Antelope. In addition, we aim to help raise the profile of the Convention in China and in the region.”
The CBCGDF has taken innovative actions in order to mainstream biological diversity in China. In April 2016, CBCGDF put forward the concept of “China Conservation Area”, which aims to organize and convene all non-governmental forces to take targeted and prompt actions to protect endangered species and their habitats.
So far, 27 China Conservation Areas have been established for different species to facilitate actions to respond immediately to potential threats.
Headquartered in Beijing, the Foundation has set up an Expert Committee for Biodiversity Conservation, which was made up of over ten academics of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a Law Commission and about 60 experts in environmental ecology. Its organizational structure underpins an effective decision-making process and quick response to environmental emergencies.
The CBCGDF will launch an initiative to promote and support the Convention and raise its profile in China and beyond. It is expected to cooperate with NGOs of countries which are not yet Parties to CMS, including North and South Korea and the Russian Federation.
CMS Executive Secretary Visits China13
Bradnee Chambers (centre) releases a Common Shellduck at China Conservation Area for Waterbirds at Tang Shan © Linda Wong Bradnee Chambers (centre) releases a Common Shellduck at China Conservation Area for Waterbirds at Tang Shan © Linda Wong
Bonn, 8 November 2016 - CMS Executive Secretary, Bradnee Chambers has just completed a three-day visit of China, where he met ministry officials, participated in a workshop, attended an award ceremony for children’s paintings and visited two conservation areas.
Conservation Meeting
Mr Chambers attended the first “Ecological One Belt One Road and CMS Workshop” in China. The meeting was hosted by the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) with the support of CMS and IUCN China. It was held at the Chinese Senate (the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference - CCPPC) in Beijing.
13 CMS Executive Secretary Visits China（2016.10） https://www.cms.int/en/news/cms-executive-secretary-visits-china-0 60 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Protection, State Forestry Administration and State Oceanic Administration attended the meeting. Mr Chambers gave a speech describing CMS and its work and highlighting how China was making great strides towards implementing the Aichi Targets and protecting migratory species.
The representative of State Forestry Administration agreed to enhance cooperation with CMS. The Ministry of Agriculture which is in charge of all the aquatic species in China reported on its work and admitted that improvements were necessary in how marine species were protected. The Ministry was committed to strengthen its research efforts and would continue to discuss internally the possibility of joining CMS.
Participants at the workshop also discussed the most effective ways of protecting the migratory species in China and heard a presentation on the achievements of China’s Conservation Areas.
China’s First International Children’s Environment Painting Awards
Mr Chambers attended China’s first International Children’s Environment Painting Awards where he presented prizes to the winners in addition to giving a speech as well as watching the children’s performing opera, dancing and drumming. The ceremony was broadcast worldwide on CCTV.
At the event, Mr Chambers noted that the competition had appealed to thousands of children from more than ten countries. Despite the fact that these children spoke different languages and were of different ethnicities and cultures, they shared a common passion for preserving our Earth.
“Every one of the paintings is an inspiration for all of us to redouble our efforts to protect the planet.”
Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary CMS
The meeting was hosted by CBCGDF and China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, as well as the Master Hsing Yun Cultural Education Foundation.
Release of Birds
Mr Chambers visited the China Conservation Area for Waterbirds at Tangshan City and China Conservation Area for the Relict Gull at Tianjin City.
These two China Conservation Areas are protecting and rehabilitating key CMS species such as Relict Gulls, Red Knots and Far Eastern Curlews.
Mr Chambers released some Common Shelducks, Grebes, an Eagle Owl and a Sparrowhawk with the staff of the China Conservation Area. More than 50 volunteers and scientists witnessed the beautiful moment.
61 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Mr Chambers highly praised the work of the China Conservation Areas saying that the volunteers, who dedicate their time every day to the rehabilitation and protection of birds and their habitat for some of the most highly threatened species, set an amazing example for conservation efforts worldwide.
CBCGDFwill attend the 45th meeting of the CMS Standing Committee taking place 9-10 November 2016 in Bonn to formalize its future cooperation with the Convention.
28. Genetic Conservation of Endangered Species: Exemplified by Przewalski's Gazelle
Genetic Research Advances Conservation, Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of Przewalski's Gazelle Published
Genetic conservation is part of biodiversity conservation. A study named Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) has been published on the Conservation Genetics Resources in 2018.
According to scientists at the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) and Kunming Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences etc., relevant research results can help to clarify the evolutionary status of Przewalski antelope in ruminants, as well as the genetic variation information of maternal genetic mitochondrial genome, and provide important basic information for the protection of this species.
Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) is one of the most endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List. It is endemic to China and a flagship species in the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Here, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. przewalskii for the first time. Moreover, we conducted the phylogenetic analysis including other 11 species of subfamily Antilopinae and two species of subfamily Caprinaeas as outgroups. The complete mitogenome of P. przewalskii was 17,376 bp in length, and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), two ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and a non-coding control region (D- loop). Among the tRNA genes, both the tRNA Ser and tRNA Leu had a replication. The base content of the mitogenome was that A, C, G and T occupied 33.9, 24.5, 13.3 and 28.3%, respectively. The GC content was 37.8% accordingly. The molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that Przewalski’s gazelle had a close relationship with Mongolian gazelle (P. gutturosa).
For more information, please visit:
62 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Xiang, Z., Yang, J., Ikhumhen, H.O. et al. Conservation Genet Resour (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-018-1014-3
CBCGDF is a national-level academic society dedicated to biodiversity conservation.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii)
Authors: Zhidan XiangJie YangHarrison Odion IkhumhenChengye ShengLinda WongXiaodong RenJinfeng ZhouEmail author Wen Wang
ABSTRACT Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) is one of the most endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List. It is endemic to China and a flagship species in the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Here, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. przewalskii for the first time. Moreover, we conducted the phylogenetic analysis including other 11 species of subfamily Antilopinae and two species of subfamily Caprinaeas as outgroups. The complete mitogenome of P. przewalskii was 17,376 bp in length, and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), two ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and a non-coding control region (D- loop). Among the tRNA genes, both the tRNA Ser and tRNA Leu had a replication. The base content of the mitogenome was that A, C, G and T occupied 33.9, 24.5, 13.3 and 28.3%, respectively. The GC content was 37.8% accordingly. The molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that Przewalski’s gazelle had a close relationship with Mongolian gazelle (P. gutturosa).
KEYWORDS Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) Mitochondrial genome Phylogenetic analysis
29. Reintroduction of Milu Deers: One of the most successful Species Reintroduction Cases
CBCGDF's history: CBCGDF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. It was originated from the Milu reintroduction in 1985. As China's leading environmental NGO, the CBCGDF is with about 50 staff and thousands of registered volunteers. Mr. Deping HU, chairman of the CBCGDF, renamed the "China Milu Foundation" into "China Biodiversity Foundation" in 1990s after Rio Summit, in an effort to mainstream biodiversity conservation; and the foundation again changed its name into the current CBCGDF due to the new needs for green development in 2000s. His has a theory of GREEN LOCOMOTIVE, which highlights sustainable 63 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019) development.
The first 18 milu deers has 6000~ offsprings around China. Among the history, the 1998 Yangtzi River mega flood caused some milu deers escaped from protected areas and went back to wild naturally. Now there're more than 5 generations of these deers, which enabled their genetic richness and species security. Milu reintroduction is one of the most successful case of species reintroduction in the world.
64 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
30. Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Some of CBCGDF’s Documentary Pictures
522 世界生物多样性日纪念活动 暨第三届中国生物多样性保护与利用数码摄影赛 颁奖活动 主办：国家环境保护部生物多样性办公室 中国生物多样性保护基金会 北京市科学技术协会 2008 年
Celebration of the 5`22 World Biodiversity Day & The 3rd China Digital Photo Competition on Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization Host: Office of Biodiversity, Ministry of Environmental Protection China Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (Now renamed to CBCGDF) Beijing Science and Technology Association 2008 2011 西安城市与生物多样性国际论坛 2011 Xi'an City and Biodiversity Intl Forum 主办单位：中国生物多样性保护与绿色发展基金 会 陕西省环境保护厅 西安市人民政府 Organizers: China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Shaanxi Provincial Environmental Protection Department Xi'an Municipal People's Government
65 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
Book published by CBCGDF: 丰富多彩的北京生物多样性 Rich Biodiversity in Beijing 《丰富多彩的北京生物多样性》(精)图文并茂，精 选 1600 多幅图片，让更多的人了解北京不仅有 丰富的文化遗产，还有丰富多彩的自然遗产，从 而更好地利用生物多样性为北京市可持续发展作 出贡献。 "Rich and Colorful Beijing Biodiversity" (Exquisite) is full of pictures and texts. More than 1600 pictures are selected to let more people know that Beijing has not only rich cultural heritage, but also rich and colorful natural heritage, so as to make better use of biodiversity to contribute to the sustainable development of Beijing.
A Press Release on Working together to Save Endangered River Dolphins (2012)
指导单位：农业部 Guiding unit: Ministry of Agriculture 主办单位：中国生物多样性保护与绿色发展基金 会 Organizer: China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) 安徽省铜陵市人民政府 Tongling Municipal People's Government of Anhui Province
66 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
中国生物多样性保护战略与行动计划（2011 年- 2030 年）发布 China Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) (2011-2030) 李干杰先生（左）和胡德平先生（右） Mr. Li Ganjie (left) and Mr. Hu Deping (right, CBCGDF’s Chairman)
中国生物多样性保护战略与行动计划（2011 年- 2030 年）发布 China Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) (2011-2030) 李干杰先生（左）和胡德平先生（右） Mr. Li Ganjie (left) and Mr. Hu Deping (right)
67 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
《响应中国生物多样性保护战略与行动计划》大 会 (2011) Conference on Response to China's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan
Held in 2011 for the launch of China’s NBSAP
主办单位：Organizers: 中国生物多样性保护与绿色发展基金会 China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation
中国战略与管理研究会 China Society for Strategic and Management Studies 中国西部生物多样性保护与利用培训班（2010 年） Training Course on Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Western China (2010) 主办：中国生物多样性保护与绿色发展基金会 Organised by: China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation
纪念麋鹿回归 30 周年、中国绿发会成立 30 周年 （2015 年） Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Milu Deers’ Back to China and the 30th Anniversary of the Founding of CBCGDF (2015)
CBD 执行秘书 Dias Braulio 致辞
Address by Dias Braulio, Executive Secretary of CBD
主办：中国生物多样性保护与绿色发展基金会 Organised by: China Biodiversity Conservation Aand Green Development Foundation
68 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
A Book Funded by CBCGDF: DIVERSE FORESTS OF CHINA
Exhibition of Bird Arts (2017.3.28) By CBCGDF
TERRY TOWNSHEND:
The paintings date from the late 19th century and are thought to be by French missionaries, including Pierre Marie Heude.
The collection of exquisite paintings depicts more than 460 species, around one third of the species recorded in China.
Pope Francis and CBCGDF delegates 2016.9
69 / 70
China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation: Efforts to Conserve Biodiversity (a draft on Mar 2019)
70 / 70
文件名: 绿筹：绿会生物多样性工作介绍_CBD 执密来华_材料准备_ 目录: C:\Users\Linda\Documents 模板: Normal.dotm 标题: 主题: 作者: Linda 关键词: 备注: 创建日期: 2019/3/18 15:19:00 修订号: 754 上次保存日期: 2019/3/18 18:11:00 上次保存者: Linda 编辑时间总计: 166 分钟 上次打印时间: 2019/3/18 18:12:00 打印最终结果 页数: 70 字数: 26,261 (约) 字符数: 149,691 (约)