Wild Asian elephants along the China-Laos border are having a baby boom, with their population growing from about 170 to over 300. It's the result of years of quiet work. Years ago, to help these elephants move safely, local communities set up dedicated feeding zones. Thanks to this setup and an eco-insurance system that compensates villagers for crop damages, local farmers have gone from competing with elephants to protecting them.

Recognizing that nature knows no borders, China and Laos also put together a 5-million-mu (equivalent to over 333,000 hectares) cross-border ecological shield to allow unhindered wildlife migration. By extending biodiversity agreements to 12 land neighbors, China is translating domestic experiences into a global model, one of "extensive consultation, joint development, and shared benefits" to build a community of all life on Earth.