CBCGDF

February 28, 2025 — During a routine patrol in the Yellow River wetlands of Changyuan, Henan Province, volunteers from the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Community Conservation Area (CCAfa) were thrilled to observe a group of 40 to 50 great bustards foraging peacefully. This heartening sight marked another milestone in their relentless conservation efforts. Located along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, the CBCGDF Great Bustard Community Conservation Area spans nearly 2 million hectares of wetlands and tidal flats across a 100-kilometer stretch of the river. This critical habitat serves as a major wintering ground for approximately 450 great bustards annually. “This year feels different,” noted a volunteer. “In previous years, we often witnessed large flocks of 300 to 400 great bustards, sometimes even over 500. This winter, however, most groups in Changyuan’s wetlands are smaller, with 50 to 60 individuals per flock and a max...

 The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life, owing to its unique geographical location and complex marine ecosystems. This region serves as a vital habitat for numerous marine species, including economically significant fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, while also functioning as critical spawning and nursery grounds. However, rapid economic development and population growth in recent decades have posed unprecedented threats to marine biodiversity, including overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change. As a result, the need to enhance marine biodiversity conservation in the GBA has never been more urgent, and digitalization and information-sharing are essential tools in this endeavor. The Greater Bay Area Marine Biological Digital Library (GMBDL) is China's first marine biological database that prominently features video documentation. Developed over six years through more than 2,000 hours of underwate...

Seagrass are marine flowering plants. They are found in shallow waters in many parts of the world, from the tropics to the Arctic Circle. They create vast seagrass beds, which are complex, productive and biodiverse. Covering just 0.1% of the seabed, seagrass meadows provide food and shelter for thousands of species of fish, seahorses, turtles, etc., and support some of the world's largest fisheries. They improve water quality by filtering, cycling and storing nutrients and pollutants, reducing contamination of seafood. As highly efficient carbon sinks, they can store up to 18% of the world's oceanic carbon, making them a powerful nature-based solution to the effects of climate change. By buffering ocean acidification, they contribute to the resilience of the most vulnerable ecosystems and species, such as coral reefs. And for coastal populations, they act as the first line of defence along coastlines, reducing wave energy and protecting people from the increasing risk of floodi...

The Fifth Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) Joint Forum will be held in a hybrid format in Yokohama, Japan on 20-21 March. In its fifth edition, the Forum will be organised under the theme "Invest in Clean Air Now", in line with the 5th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies and hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Japan. Objective In support of UNEA Resolution 6/10 on promoting regional cooperation on air pollution to improve air quality worldwide, the Fifth APCAP Joint Forum will aim to Provide information on the state of air quality in the region and recognise progress made in addressing air pollution at different levels. Share and exchange innovative solutions to reduce emissions with climate co-benefits from high-impact sectors, focusing on legislation, technology and finance Facilitate discussion on the next phase of APCAP, including future activities and direction Inspire and accelerate action through regional and inter-regional cooperation for clea...

On February 21, after the snow had cleared, volunteers from the Songhua River and Harbin Basin Wetland Conservation Area of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) took quick action to patrol the snow-covered forest area, track the traces of wildlife activities, and prevent illegal hunting after the snow.   Volunteers recorded and analyzed the footprints of various animals on the snow, finding that the footprints of sparrows, pheasants, roe deer and other animals were clearly visible. According to the observation of volunteers, the period following a snowfall is crucial for tracking wildlife activities, but it is also a peak season for poaching, as the snow can reveal the movements of animals, and illegal hunters may take advantage of this to set traps. Therefore, the volunteers are focusing on the edges of forested areas and regions known for high poaching incidents in the past. They are particularly searching for areas that might conceal ...

The first session of the Preparatory Commission for the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) will take place from April 14 to 25, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This meeting will serve as a preparatory step toward the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and the convening of the first COP.   Recently, the Ocean&Wetlands Working Group of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF)has received the proposed organization of work prepared by the Co-Chairs of the Commission.   The agenda of this meeting covers many important aspects related to the entry into force of the agreement, including the rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties, the operation of subsidiary bodies, the arrangements of the Secretariat, the funding mechanism and the information exchange mec...

Insects, the most diverse group of organisms on Earth, are facing a silent crisis due to climate change. Rising temperatures, habitat loss, and extreme weather events are driving declines in insect populations, with cascading effects on ecosystems. Insects play critical roles in pollination, decomposition, and food webs, making their decline a threat to biodiversity and human livelihoods. For example, pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for crop production, but warmer temperatures and shifting flowering seasons are disrupting their interactions with plants. Similarly, dung beetles, which recycle nutrients in ecosystems, are declining due to habitat fragmentation and climate stress. To address this crisis, conservation efforts must prioritize insect-friendly habitats, such as wildflower meadows and hedgerows. Reducing pesticide use and promoting organic farming can also support insect populations. Public education can highlight the importance of insects and encourage ind...

Ancient trees, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, are facing unprecedented threats from climate change. These trees, such as bristlecone pines and giant sequoias, play a vital role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity. However, rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and increased wildfires are putting their survival at risk.   For instance, giant sequoias, which have thrived for thousands of years, are now vulnerable to wildfires fueled by hotter, drier conditions. Similarly, bristlecone pines, adapted to harsh alpine environments, are struggling to cope with changing precipitation patterns. Protecting these ancient trees requires urgent action. Conservation efforts can focus on reducing wildfire risks through controlled burns and forest management. Research into the resilience of ancient trees can inform strategies to help them adapt to climate change. Public awareness campaigns can highlight their ecological and cultural significance, fostering support for their ...

February 25, 2025——Recently, a new postdoctoral researcher has been formally admitted to the Postdoctoral Research Workstation of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF). This is the third researcher to be trained at the workstation since its establishment. The admission was facilitated by the strong support of the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (KIB/CAS). The two institutions will strengthen collaboration to foster innovative research in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The researcher, a graduate of the University of Science and Technology Beijing, has participated in China’s National Key Research and Development Program. Equipped with solid theoretical foundations and extensive research experience, their addition will bring fresh perspectives to the CBCGDF Postdoctoral Workstation and advance more in-depth studies in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The CBCGDF Postdoctoral Res...