Twenty years ago, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) initiated the "Arid Area Biodiversity Research" program. As an observer of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), CBCGDF launched this program to gain a deeper understanding of and protect biodiversity in arid regions, promote species conservation, climate change adaptation, and ensure ecological security and sustainable development.

We recognise that the water resources, climatic conditions and land features of arid regions make the conservation of biodiversity in these areas scientifically and practically valuable. Research on topics such as the ecosystem, species composition, conservation and sustainable utilization of genetic resources, and desert industries holds significant importance for environmental stability and sustainable development, especially in the context of global climate change. CBCGDF's program has undertaken several initiatives and efforts, summarized as follows:

1. Establishment of CBCGDF's Desert Industry Special Fund:

Desertification poses a severe environmental challenge with significant impacts on ecology, agriculture, and human habitation. In 2014, CBCGDF established the "Promotion Fund for Desert Industry Development" to support scientific research, technological innovations, and project practices in the field of desert industries. The fund aims to explore and promote effective methods for desert governance and utilization, involving collaboration among scientists, engineers, farmers, and entrepreneurs to address desertification issues collectively.

2. Ecological Impact Assessment of the Dam Break Incident at Lake Zhonai in Qinghai:

In September 2011, the dam break incident at Lake Zhonai on the Tibetan Plateau caused changes in regional hydrology and ecosystems. To understand the post-incident changes in the region's hydrology and ecosystems, their impact on the Kekexili World Heritage Site and the ecological environment of the Yangtze River source area, CBCGDF's expert team, along with various scholars and experts, conducted research and analysis based on first-hand data obtained from remote sensing images, meteorological observations, and field scientific expeditions from 2000 to 2020. Some research results are published in the article "Research on Changes and Impact of Hydrology and Ecosystems in the Region after the Lake Zhonai Dam Break Incident on the Tibetan Plateau."

3. Long-term Scientific Expedition in Lop Nor Desert Area:

In July 2020, building on continuous three-year research on the ecological impact of the dam break at Lake Zhonai in the Yangtze River source area, CBCGDF decided to conduct a ten-year continuous scientific survey in the Lop Nor Desert area of northwest China amidst the global trend of climate warming and humidification. As part of the "Arid Zone Biodiversity Research" program, the survey in Lop Nor aims to study the current status and succession of the ecosystem based on biodiversity, explore ecological changes, and provide scientific support for the development and major projects in China's western regions. The "Lop Nor Biodiversity Survey and Monitoring (2020-2030)" officially began in July 2020.

4. Active Participation in Global Desertification and Biodiversity Governance:

As part of the "Arid Area  Biodiversity Research" program, CBCGDF has been actively engaged in various conferences and conventions, including the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of the Parties (COP), the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP. From 2018 to 2022, CBCGDF has been actively involved in the negotiation process of the "Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework" (GBF). Additionally, CBCGDF organized a side event during UNCCD COP14 in India.

5. Mobilizing Citizen Scientists for Active Participation:

Through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) data release, CBCGDF supports the open sharing of data related to Arid Area  biodiversity, encouraging public engagement and collaboration among scientists worldwide.

6. Establishment of Community Conservation Areas (CCAfa) and Low-Carbon Workshops (LCW):

To support desertification control and biodiversity conservation, CBCGDF has established the "Low Carbon Workshop" (LCW) as a case model of carbon reduction and development in June 2022. LCW aims to achieve the dual carbon goals, promote sustainable development, and effectively reduce carbon emissions through technological innovations and proactive measures. As a green development demonstration, LCW encourages participation from all walks of society and shares China's success stories in green development. In July 2022, support was extended to the Inner Mongolia Desert Ecological Industry Academician Expert Workstation's low-carbon efforts.

7. Academic Seminar Platform:

In 2021, CBCGDF held the "Dialogue on Arid Area s" with the theme "Post-2020 Biodiversity and Climate," interpreting the "First Draft of the Post-2020"s relavant contents about arid areas to promote global environmental governance.

8. Providing Scientific Decision-Making Services:

CBCGDF conducts research, public education, and policy recommendations on desertification control, supports the development of the jujube industry to drive rural revitalization, and has published the "Collection of Discipline Construction of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control" to assist in the development of soil and water conservation and desertification control disciplines and educational curriculum systems. Additionally, the research report "Frontier Research on Global Biodiversity Governance: Building a Life Community in Arid Area s" (provincial-level project) has been selected for inclusion in the "Compilation of 2022 Research Reports on Science Association Work" by China Association for Science and Technology.

9. "Clean Internet for Conophytum" Campaign:

CBCGDF launched the "Clean Internet for Conophytum" campaign in response to the threat of illegal harvesting faced by the Conophytum plant population in the South African desert region. The campaign aims to combat illegal wildlife trade, especially cross-border poaching and illegal succulent plant trade, to protect biodiversity and contribute to building a global community of life. The campaign, initiated on March 9, 2023, has garnered support and participation from the public, conservationists, horticulturists, and businesses. Through advocating for endangered plant protection, raising awareness, and mainstreaming biodiversity, the campaign has successfully reversed the brazen sale of illegally harvested Conophytum in the Chinese market.

10. Continuation of Arid and Semi-Arid Area  Research:

By the end of July 2023, CBCGDF, together with its partner institutions and expert teams, will embark on a scientific survey in arid regions of northwest China.

With ongoing dedication and comprehensive efforts, CBCGDF strives to make significant contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, desertification control, and sustainable development in Arid Area s, both nationally and globally.

(This is a draft of relavant WG. FYI. )

Translator: Wendy
Editor: YJ
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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