A paradise of biodiversity With vast territory, long coastlines and complex climate and topography, China has given birth to an extremely abundant array of species and complex ecosystems. The biodiversity in China is one of the richest in the world. According to statistics, China has 34,525 kinds of advanced plants, 3,021 kinds of bryophytes, 2,914 species of terrestrial vertebrates, 22,629 species of marine organisms and over 17,000 kinds of fungi. Meanwhile, China is also an important producer of major agricultural products, cash crops and livestock, with nearly 1,400 crop plants being cultivated. China has more than 14 types of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Throughout the history of China biodiversity can be found in every aspect of Chinese customs and folk culture. The vast territory and long coasts of China, featuring immense forests and grasslands in the north, mangroves and the ocean in the south, sparkling lakes in the east and deserts and snow mountains in the west, have given birth to rich lives. At the same time, crops and livestock cultivated in China feed 20 percent of the world’s population. Three sections The exhibition, covering an area of around 1,200 square meters, is being held parallel to the IBC in the main corridor on the west side of the second floor of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. The exhibition was organized by the State Forestry Bureau and Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government and sponsored by Shenzhen Urban Management Bureau (Forestry Bureau), the Preparatory Office of the 19th IBC and the Shenzhen Municipal Leading Group to Create a National Forest City. The exhibition also received strong support from the Biodiversity Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Wildlife Protection Association and the Guangdong Forestry Department. The exhibition is divided into three parts, namely the Biodiversity Exhibition Area, Interactive Experience Area and Culture Sharing Area. In the first area, China’s rich ecosystem diversity, species diversity, genetic diversity, threats to biodiversity, and conservation actions taken by the government and NGOs are presented to the public. In the second area, people can vividly appreciate the beauty of life. In the third area, the close connection between biodiversity, traditional Chinese medicine and national culture are unfolded for visitors to see. Live potted medicinal plants and specimens are also on display at the exhibition. Greater efforts needed China is undoubtedly one of the fastest developing countries in recent years and it has made remarkable achievements. However, rapid economic development often leads to the loss of habitats, excessive use of resources, introduction of species invasion and environmental pollution. In the face of these challenges, the Chinese Government has vigorously carried out the development of ecological civilization, because ecological governance is not only an increasingly important task but also urgently call by the Chinese people. In these times of ecological degradation, China is persisting in its arduous tasks of strengthening ecological legislation and scientific research, carrying out major ecological protection projects and enhancing the in-situ and ex-situ conservation, all the while expanding international cooperation. Residents visits the Charity Exhibition on China’s Biodiversity. | 