Globally, the alarming rate of species extinction is on the rise, with wild populations of monitored animal species dropping by over 70 percent in the last half-century, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund. Factors such as alien species invasion, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss contribute to this crisis.
Amidst these challenges, China, one of the world's most biodiverse countries, is at the forefront of promoting biodiversity conservation. The nation is striving to achieve a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental protection, bolstering global efforts to preserve our planet's rich biodiversity.
A significant milestone in this endeavor was the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) two years ago. Chaired by China and hosted by Canada, this historic framework was established during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
As COP16 commences in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 11, global leaders will gather to assess the progress of the KMGBF and discuss strategies to mobilize financial resources. Key issues on the agenda include the implementation status of the framework and the ways to enhance funding for biodiversity initiatives worldwide.
China's proactive role in these international discussions underscores its commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, ensuring that economic progress does not come at the expense of our natural heritage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com