May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, highlighting the vital role biodiversity plays in our world. From combating climate change to ensuring food and water security, biodiversity is essential for sustainable living.
China, home to some of the world's richest biological resources, has elevated biodiversity conservation to a top priority. The country's commitment to harmonizing human activities with nature is evident in its robust policies aimed at fostering green and sustainable growth.
Recent sightings of rare and endangered species across China's vast landscapes showcase significant progress in reversing species loss. For instance, the wild giant panda population has surged from around 1,100 in the 1980s to over 1,900 today. Similarly, the milu deer population has skyrocketed from 77 in the 1980s to over 10,000 in 2022.
The critically endangered Hainan gibbons, once numbering fewer than 10, have increased to 37 individuals across six groups as of 2023. Crested ibises, originating from Shaanxi Province, have seen their numbers grow from less than a dozen in the 1980s to 10,000 worldwide, with over 9,000 residing in China.
Asian elephants in China have also made a comeback, with their numbers rising from approximately 180 in the 1980s to over 300 in 2023. These impressive gains reflect China's unwavering dedication to biodiversity.
On a global scale, December 2022 saw the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, known as The Biodiversity Plan. This framework sets clear goals and measures to halt and reverse nature loss by 2050. Despite these efforts, UN data reveals that human activities have significantly altered three-quarters of land-based environments and about 66 percent of marine environments, threatening 1 million animal and plant species with extinction.
This year's International Day for Biological Diversity theme, \"Be Part of the Plan,\" calls on governments, indigenous peoples, local communities, NGOs, businesses, and individuals to actively contribute to The Biodiversity Plan's implementation. By working together, we can ensure a resilient and sustainable future for our planet.
Reference(s):
International Day for Biological Diversity: From China to the world
cgtn.com
