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Showing posts from July, 2024

Post-Storm Observation: A Biodiversity-Friendly Path in Beijing

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During my recent walk, I discovered a side path of a trail in Beijing that employs a biodiversity-friendly green design, where wild grasses thrive and sprout from below. This design is not only fascinating but also aesthetically pleasing, becoming a unique urban landscape. This side path features a layer of sturdy black metal grating, beneath which lies a trench about 20-30 centimeters deep. This design stands out not only functionally but also brings unexpected beauty. After each rain, water collects in the trench, yet this does not hinder the vigorous growth of the wild grasses. On the contrary, these grasses utilize the accumulated rainwater, sprouting green leaves and buds through the grid, adding a touch of vibrant green to the path. Yesterday, Beijing experienced a full day of rain, and this path became even more lush and vibrant. Residents nearby enjoyed their morning walks on this path, savoring the tranquility of nature coexisting harmoniously with the city. I noticed that the

Eco-tourism: A Vital Tool for Ecological Conservation | CBCGDF Climate Change Working Group

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Eco-tourism, often defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people, stands as a beacon of hope in the realm of ecological conservation. It operates on a principle that intertwines environmental stewardship with sustainable economic practices, offering a dual benefit to both nature and communities. By attracting visitors to pristine landscapes and wildlife habitats, eco-tourism generates revenue that can be funneled directly into conservation efforts. This financial incentive ensures that local authorities and indigenous populations have a vested interest in preserving their natural heritage. Moreover, eco-tourism fosters environmental awareness among tourists, educating them on the importance of biodiversity and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Eco-tourism also promotes sustainable practices such as low-impact lodging, waste reduction, and the use of local resources. These initiatives not only minimize the eco

Wildlife Poaching: A Silent Driver of Climate Change | CBCGDF Climate Change Working Group

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Wildlife poaching, the illegal hunting and capturing of animals, exacerbates climate change in multifaceted ways. Firstly, the destruction of ecosystems through poaching disrupts the balance of nature, where each species plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and overall ecological health. For instance, the loss of large mammals like elephants and rhinos not only reduces biodiversity but also impacts the carbon cycle, as these animals help maintain the balance of vegetation and soil carbon. Secondly, the demand for wildlife products, such as ivory and exotic skins, drives deforestation and habitat destruction. These activities release significant amounts of carbon stored in trees and soils into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the illegal trade routes often involve transportation methods that are carbon-intensive, further adding to the climate crisis. T he enforcement against poaching requires substantial resources, including the use of vehicles

Species Migration Driven by Warming Presents New Challenges | CBCGDF Research on Biodiversity Conservation

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Warming is causing many species to migrate, creating new policy challenges such as spreading disease and disputes over fisheries. The McGill University study found that while warmer temperatures are an important factor in species migration, 41 per cent of species migration patterns are different from temperature changes and other factors need to be considered.   Credit to CBCGDF The study points out that existing data are mainly concentrated in Europe and the United States, and that global monitoring of species migration needs to be strengthened to develop effective conservation strategies.   Editor: LYJ Check: Maggie   Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776 Contribution Do you know? CBCGDF is a non-profit organization. We rely on crowd-funding and donations. You have the opportunity to help us to advance biodiversity conservation. Donate TODAY to power up the movement to make it a better world for all life. Donation(501C3)Paypal: intl@wbag.org 

Rising Temperatures and Fuel Loads Threaten Future Safe Burning Opportunities | CBCGDF Research on Climate Change

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New research suggests that the United States may have fewer safe burning opportunities in the future as temperatures rise and fuel loads increase, increasing the risk of severe wildfires. The study shows that while warmer maximum temperatures will reduce the number of burnable days during the 2051-60 period, warmer minimum temperatures and lower wind speeds may increase burning opportunities. Credit to CBCGDF To prevent catastrophic wildfires, the U.S. must maintain or increase the number of controlled burns despite more challenging conditions, and even explore unconventional strategies such as night burning.   Editor: LYJ Check: Maggie Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776 Contribution Do you know? CBCGDF is a non-profit organization. We rely on crowd-funding and donations. You have the opportunity to help us to advance biodiversity conservation. Donate TODAY to power up the movement to make it a better world for all life. Donation(501C3)Paypal: intl@wbag.org   

The Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Successfully Held on July 2, 2024 | CBCGDF Ocean&Wetlands Working Group Reports

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The Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference was held on July 2 nd ,2024 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Representative nominated by the Ocean&Wetlands Working Group of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) participated in the meeting.   The meeting was co-hosted by Ms. Gina Guillén-Grillo, Director General of Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Costa Rica and Mr. Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, Special Envoy of the President of France for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference.   In the morning session, proposed themes outlined ahead of the Preparatory meeting for the Ocean Action panels were discussed, themes include:   (a) Fostering sustainable fisheries management and supporting small-scale fisheries; (b) Conserving, sustainably managing and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems, including deep-sea ecosystems; (c) Harnessing all forms of cooperation, especially at the regional level; (

Thumbs up! To Protect Black Bears, CBCGDF CCAfa Volunteers Braved the Heat, Increased Patrols, & Cooperated with the Locals

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  Recently, volunteers from the black bear   CCAfa   of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) came to the deep mountains and started another black bear protection and patrol work this summer.   With the arrival of summer, all things in nature have entered the most vibrant season of the year, and black bears have also ushered in their most active time of the year. In order to ensure the safety of these rare wild animals and maintain the balance of the ecosystem, another summer black bear patrol operation has officially begun.   During the patrol, volunteers carried out scientific records and scientific assessments of the black bear population, activity range and health status, providing data support for the formulation of more accurate and effective protection strategies. These efforts not only effectively protected the living environment of black bears, but also made important contributions to the protection of local biodiversity.   O riginal Chi

Fishing Ban in Action! Volunteers and Police Jointly Cleaned up 21 illegal Nets | CBCGDF Wetland Conservation Area in Suihua

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On June 26, 2024, the volunteers from the Suihua Wetland Conservation Area of ​​ the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), the Fishery Law Enforcement Brigade of Beilin District, Suihua City, and the police from Hongguang Township Police Station in Bayan County jointly carried out river patrol work during the fishing ban season to protect the ecological environment of the Nanni River Basin.   The fishing ban season is an important period for protecting aquatic biological resources, maintaining aquatic biodiversity and ecological balance. During this action, the patrol team cleared 13 illegal nets, 8 gown nets, and rescued more than 200 kilograms of catches which were released back into the river on the spot.   The patrol team also dissuaded several illegal fishermen, and patiently promoted relevant laws and policies on the fishing ban season, making them realize the importance of protecting aquatic biological resources.   Original articl

CBCGDF Volunteers Carried out Long-Distance Patrols in the Fujin Section of the Songhua River

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  On June 24 and June 27, 2024, a volunteer team from the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) carried out a multi-day long-distance patrol operation in the Fujin section of the Songhua River. The patrol operation aims to maintain the ecological environment of the Songhua River and protect various fish resources during the fishing ban period.   On June 24, two CBCGDF volunteers drove nearly 80 kilometers to patrol the Fujin section of the Songhua River. They successfully cleared 11 illegal fishing ground cages and released more than 30 kilograms of various fish, including carp, crucian carp, catfish and croaker. On June 27, a team of three volunteers drove more than 340 kilometers and patrolled the Fujin section of the Songhua River again. During this operation, they found and cleared 13 illegal fishing ground cages and about 240 meters of Sancheng nets.   The volunteers released more than 200 kilograms of various fish species on site, including cru

A Serendipitous Encounter with Purple Loosestrife in Beijing

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This morning, as I embarked on my customary stroll with kids, I was greeted by a captivating sight – clusters of vibrant purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) basking in the post-rain sunlight. The previous day, Beijing had endured a torrential downpour, a typical summer tempest that left the city streets glistening with remnants of the storm. Yet, amidst this backdrop of lingering raindrops, the purple loosestrife stood out with an otherworldly charm, its petals shimmering with an intensity that seemed to defy the dampness that surrounded them. Purple loosestrife, also known as water willow or spiked loosestrife, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Its presence graces the landscapes of China, adorning the edges of lakes, marshes, wetlands, and ditches, adding a splash of purple to the natural palette. This sun-loving yet cold-tolerant species thrives in water-rich environments, exhibiting remarkable adaptability to soil conditions, f

The Project Seminar of "Technical Specifications for Farmland Biodiversity Investigation" Focusing on the Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighbourhood (BCON) in Farmland

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Farmland refers to land used for agricultural production and cultivated fields, which can generally be divided into dry land and paddy fields. Farmland biodiversity is an important aspect of the health of farmland ecosystems and the basis of human food safety. Farmland biodiversity survey is the most basic work in farmland biodiversity protection. At present, the standardization of farmland biodiversity protection in my country is still in its infancy, and no relevant standards have been officially issued and implemented in my country so far. On the morning of July 1, 2024, the Comprehensive Technology Department of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation ( CBCGDF ) held a seminar on the project establishment of the group standard for farmland biodiversity survey. Dr. Z HOU  Jinfeng, CBCGDF Secretary-General put forward important suggestions on the key groups, sample point layout principles, key survey indicators, survey methods and technical innovation of