Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood (BCON, 邻里生物多样性保护) is a method of biodiversity conservation that can be implemented in daily life and production activities. The concept was proposed by Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), in 2021. The aim is to reduce the impact of human activities on the natural environment, protect wildlife and plants, and achieve harmony between human and nature. Everyone, including businesses, individual entrepreneurs, and designers, can play an important role in practicing BCON.

Photo credit: CBCGDF-BCON Working Group

For example, a successful BCON plan was implemented to solve the problem of human-bird conflict. In 2022, State Grid Heilongjiang Power Company explored the best practices for the coexistence of Oriental White Storks and power lines, in order to promote the "Bird Lifeline" public welfare project. This plan took into account the environmental and species characteristics of the area and adopted an innovative "human-bird coexistence" strategy.

Farmers can also avoid unnecessary biodiversity damage while ensuring that agricultural production is not affected. For instance, farmers who cultivate lotus roots using traditional methods have left habitats for migratory birds such as sandpipers in artificial wetlands. In addition, the BCON working group of the Beijing-based Society found that most ponds in the hilly areas of southern China still use traditional breeding methods, such as sun-drying disinfection, instead of chemical disinfection, which provides food for wintering birds. When the birds leave the following year, the farmers can start their new year's fish farming. This way, production and nature conservation are not mutually exclusive.

In urban areas, there is also much that can be done. For example, the design of “pocket parks” (口袋公园，which means small-sized street parks) can make extensive use of Nature-based Solutions. Urban parks can preserve natural wilderness, allow local plants to grow naturally, and avoid weeding, pest control, and chemical spraying, all of which offer good habitats for biodiversity. In terms of design, architects and urban planners can design and plan buildings and public spaces to promote the survival and reproduction of wildlife through clever design. For example, the Zizhuyuan Park in Beijing has a specially designed area for pollinating insects, which serves as a good artificial habitat and public education for biodiversity.

Moreover, social organizations and volunteers can carry out various conservation activities in the community, such as observing butterflies and other insects, cleaning up garbage, planting trees, and protecting lakes and rivers. These activities can encourage community members to participate actively and increase awareness of and participation in community biodiversity conservation.

When implementing BCON plans, technology can also be integrated to aid in monitoring and management. For example, using sensors to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental indicators can provide valuable data for ecological management.

BCON is a promising method of biodiversity conservation that allows everyone to participate in conservation efforts in their daily life and work. Through a variety of approaches, businesses, individual entrepreneurs, and designers can contribute to the protection of biodiversity in our Neighborhood, promoting harmony between human and nature.

Original article:

http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4854/23576.html

Reported by Littlejane

Translator: Wendy

Editor: Samantha 

Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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