The First Lawsuit to Protect Wild Conophytum spp. Will be Heard in China's Jiangsu Province

On July 12, 2023, a significant milestone in environmental conservation will take place as the first lawsuit aimed at protecting Conophytum spp., a genus of plants facing extinction, will be heard in a court located in Jiangsu Province, China.

The defendant in this case is a trader from Jiangsu Province, China, who has been involved in Conophytum spp. trade for an extended period. He is commonly known as "Dr. Flower." According to multiple informants, he is a key figure in the organized wildlife crime group called the "South and North Union." In 2019, he was arrested in South Africa for illegally harvesting endangered plants but managed to avoid imprisonment by paying a fine. Despite the outbreak of COVID-19, he continued to engage in extensive sales of wild Conophytum spp. within China.

"With the impending court proceedings, there is a prevailing skepticism among some who believe that winning this legal battle is an impossible feat. However, I firmly disagree. " said Jinfeng Zhou, Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), “The urgency to safeguard Conophytum spp. necessitates resolute legal action, and we are duty-bound to undertake this responsibility.”

Conophytum spp, a unique genus of succulent plants found predominantly in South Africa, faces severe threats to its existence due to habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal trade. Recognizing the critical importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting these endangered species, this lawsuit aims to establish a legal precedent for the conservation of endangerd plants suffered from organised transboundary illegal wildlife crimes.

This legal endeavor signifies a collective effort to ensure that the future generations can experience the beauty and value of Conophytum plants. It symbolizes our commitment to environmental stewardship and the recognition that effective legal measures are indispensable for safeguarding endangered species and the whole biodiversity.

Stay tuned for updates on this pivotal lawsuit and join us in advocating for the preservation of Conophytum spp. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for our planet's diverse flora and fauna.

Reporter: Chaubi
Translator: Wendy
Editor: YJ
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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[Relavant report]

1. The 1st Environmental Lawsuit to Build a Shared Community For All Life: Litigation against Illegal Conophytum Trader "Dr Flower" to Heard on July 11, 2023
http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5001/24107.html

2. Zhou Jinfeng: Urgent Protection of South African's Conophytum is Crucial, as the Earth is a Shared community for All
 http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5009/24183.html

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