China continues to play an important role in protecting biodiversity and contributing to the promotion of global biodiversity governance.
The country celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity with an event held in Wuzhishan City, south China's Hainan Province, on May 22.
Themed "Be Part of the Plan," the event brought together representatives from international organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union.
It highlighted China's contribution to biodiversity conservation and launched more biodiversity research programs.
A little torrent frog rests on the rock, Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, Hainan Province, south China, December 5, 2023. The species is endemic to Hainan, and is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. /CFP
As one of the host countries of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, China has introduced the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to promote global biodiversity governance.
Sergio Cabrera, Colombia's ambassador to China, said China is helping developing countries protect biodiversity.
"China's efforts to protect nature and biodiversity are crucial for the planet. For Colombia, it is a great honor to host COP16 in the city of Cali. The entire country is preparing for this important conference. With China's assistance, I believe the conference will be successful. Making efforts to protect biodiversity is essential, and Colombia will do its utmost to contribute to the protection of biodiversity. The efforts made by Hainan Province and the Chinese government are of great significance," said Cabrera.
Glossy ibises flock in the Haiwei National Wetland Park in Changjiang Li Autonomous County, Hainan Province, south China, April 30, 2024. The species is under first-class state protection in China. /CFP
China's role is also reflected in the conservation of native wildlife. Currently, China has updated and released national strategies and action plans on biodiversity conservation. Hainan, the host province of the event, also issued China's first provincial strategic plan in this regard.
Terry Townshend, a biodiversity expert at the Paulson Institute, said China's effective conservation of the natural environment in Hainan and other regions is itself a contribution to global biodiversity.
"The tropical rainforest is such an important source of biodiversity and to see how intact it is in this area is really heartening to me. So, what happens here is really important, not only for China, but also for the world," said Townshend.
China is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with a wide variety of ecosystems. Official data show that 90 percent of terrestrial ecosystems and 74 percent of key national protected wildlife populations are now under effective protection in the country.
(Cover: Wuzhishan Mountains, Hainan Province, south China, February 12, 2024. /CFP)