On October 23, 2024, a CBD COP16 side event titled "China's Practices in Promoting the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Through Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approaches" was successfully held in Cali, Colombia, jointly organized by the Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences, the United Nations Environment Programme International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), and other organizations. The event aimed to share the achievements in biodiversity governance, discuss the opportunities and challenges, and jointly explore solutions to achieve the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

At the meeting, Zhang Linxiu, Director of UNEP-IEMP, delivered a keynote speech titled "Community-based agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable use practices," emphasizing that the Earth's ability to provide food is weakening due to environmental degradation, and agricultural biodiversity has become one of the primary adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers. Through case studies, she presented successful experiences in protecting agricultural biodiversity and promoting resilient livelihoods in rural areas of Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and China, as well as the practical achievements of traditional mountain ecosystem biocultural community conservation areas and women-led agricultural cooperatives in Yunnan's Shitu Village and Guangxi's Guzhai Village. Director Zhang Linxiu also specifically pointed out that women are seed keepers and food producers, and empowering women and promoting gender equality are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She called for multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral actions, emphasizing the linkages between the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, requiring joint efforts from scientists, producers, consumers, practitioners, and policymakers. Implementing an integrated approach requires supporting action research, linking scientific knowledge with traditional knowledge, which is essential for adapting to increasing uncertainty and a changing environment.

This side event provided a platform for various parties to discuss innovative models and technical monitoring means for biodiversity conservation. Representatives from research institutions introduced the application of the five-sense coordinated ecological monitoring system in biodiversity conservation; representatives from local governments in Yunnan shared the practical experience of local governments in China in biodiversity governance; representatives from the business community explained the background of the establishment of the China Business and Biodiversity Council and its efforts in promoting relevant policies and actions at the enterprise level; representatives from financial institutions discussed how green finance can support biodiversity conservation projects; and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) talked about the contributions of Chinese civil society to biodiversity conservation. Through these multi-perspective and multi-level experience sharing, participants not only deepened their understanding of the importance of biodiversity conservation but also promoted the possibility of cross-sectoral cooperation, injecting new vitality and hope into the realization of the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.