29 October 2024|News
October 22, 2024, Cali, Colombia — At the CBD COP16, the side event "Forging Integrated Ecosystem-based Solutions: Sustainable Soil Management in Black Soil Regions for Rio Convention Synergies" was co-hosted by China, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), co-organized by UNEP-IEMP and MEE-TCARE.
For details of the side event, please refer to the reprint 《中国、联合国环境规划署、联合国粮农组织在《生物多样性公约》第十六次缔约方大会上呼吁黑土地的可持续管理》, and the English translation is below.
Cali, Colombia, October 22, 2024 – During the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16), China, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) co-hosted a side event on the sustainable management of black soil. The meeting emphasized the importance of black soil in ensuring food security, maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting livelihoods. It called on all parties to work together to strengthen the sustainable management of black soil to promote the coordinated implementation of the "Rio Conventions".
In her opening remarks, Ms. Doreen Robinson, Director of Biodiversity and Land Branch at the United Nations Environment Programme, pointed out that soil is the important link connecting the "Rio Conventions". She emphasized that investing in black soil means investing in multiple areas simultaneously, including achieving multiple targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Ms. Robinson further noted that providing systemic solutions is crucial, which requires adopting an ecosystem-based integrated approach to coordinate the relationship between human activities and natural processes. In addition, she acknowledged the achievements of the UNEP International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP) in conducting case studies on integrated solutions and its contributions to promoting South-South cooperation.
In China, black soil is known as the "giant panda of cultivated land" and its protection and utilization have received high attention. H.E. Mr. Huang Runqiu, Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) China, introduced China's achievements in protecting black soil, including top-level design, legal safeguards, specific measures, and publicity and communication, and emphasized the importance of systematic thinking, technological innovation, and international cooperation. He called on all parties to "further deepen consensus, strengthen actions, and jointly protect the 'giant panda of cultivated land'.
Mr. Li Lifeng, Director of the Land and Water Division of FAO, warned in his opening remarks that black soil is very susceptible to human impact and can lose biodiversity, so measures need to be taken to protect and utilize it rationally. He highly commended the efforts made by the Chinese government in this regard. At the same time, Dr. Tong Yuxin, coordinator of the FAO International Network for Soil Biodiversity (INBS), shared the global status of black soil and FAO's promotion of relevant international cooperation, pointing out that the sustainable management of black soil is an urgent need to achieve global food security and mitigate climate change.
In recent years, China has made positive progress in exploring models of black soil protection and utilization suitable for its national conditions. The report "Protecting the 'Giant Panda of Cultivated Land' - Typical Cases of Black Soil Ecological Environment Protection in China" released by Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, MEE (MEE-TCARE) details several successful cases. In addition, representatives from government agencies, international organizations, academia, and civil society organizations had in-depth discussions on how to transform theory into practice, aiming to find more effective solutions and promote the establishment of broader global partnerships.
This side event was jointly organized by the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, UNEP, and FAO, and co-organized by UNEP-IEMP and MEE-TCARE,with the support of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, INBS, the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research and the Nanjing Institute of Soil Science of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Agricultural University, the Rural Energy and Environment Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, and local partners. Professor Zhang Linxiu, Director of UNEP-IEMP, moderated over the entire side event. Approximately 60 guests attended the event.
29 October 2024|News
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.
29 October 2024|News
October 22, 2024, Cali, Colombia — At the CBD COP16, the side event ‘Biocultural Diversity and Territories: Protecting Mountain Food Systems and IP & LC Solutions to the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis’ was held by Farmers' Seed Network China, co-hosted by UNEP-IEMP. It highlighted the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in biodiversity conservation through farmer seed systems. At the event, UNEP-IEMP reinforced its commitment to supporting these initiatives, with Director Linxiu Zhang delivering a speech that underscored the need for global action.
In her remarks, Director Zhang emphasized the deep connection between UNEP-IEMP and the Farmers' Seed Network, acknowledging the strong support for the topic among event participants. She highlighted the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity, stressing that these challenges must be addressed holistically. She also pointed to the abundance of evidence supporting the success of biodiversity-rich landscapes managed by local communities. These areas, led by IPLCs, offer concrete solutions through cultural heritage and community-based systems that promote sustainable livelihoods.
In a powerful call to action, Director Zhang advocated for stronger representation of IPLCs in global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. She stressed the need to bring these local voices into mainstream policy discussions, and emphasized the importance of strengthening networks and fostering multi-level cooperation between UN agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and local communities to scale up successful initiatives.
Reflecting on UNEP-IEMP’s role in South-South cooperation, Director Zhang reaffirmed the organization's commitment to promoting integrated approaches that link biodiversity, climate, and food security, and, as the event concluded, encouraged participants to share the stories of success showcased at COP16 with a wider audience, to inspire further action for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development globally.
28 October 2024|News
On October 22, 2024, the CBD COP16 side event titled "Biodiversity Conservation Models and Monitoring Technologies for the Kunming-Montreal Framework" was held in Cali, Colombia. The side event was organized by the Satellite Application Center for Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) China, with the UNEP-IEMP as a co-organizer.
H.E. Mr. Runqiu Huang, Minister of MEE, attended the side event and pointed out in his opening remarks that it is necessary to strengthen international exchanges and cooperation, especially to provide support related to biodiversity conservation models for less developed countries. Moreover, countries that have carried out remote sensing exchanges should provide less developed countries with technical support such as personnel training and resource mobilization.
Professor. Linxiu Zhang, Director of UNEP-IEMP, attended the side event and commented on the reports on topics about "Achieving the 30×30 Target, Sustainable Use, and Resource Mobilization in the Kunming-Montreal Framework." She also provided her remarks on a series of keynote speeches regarding this topic. Director Zhang emphasized that innovative biodiversity conservation models are crucial for achieving the "30×30" target of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). China's Ecological Conservation Redline serves as a global model in this regard, offering valuable experience for biodiversity conservation worldwide. She also highlighted the critical role of biodiversity monitoring technologies in achieving the "30×30" target of the Global Biodiversity Framework. To be specific, scientific assessment of progress and accurate identification of gaps provide a strong basis for effective action by governments and all stakeholders. In this process, scientific support is indispensable, offering tools, data, information, and knowledge to help us better understand the complex links between human and natural systems. In addition, Director Zhang mentioned that research and evidence gathered by UNEP-IEMP and its partners from Africa, Asia, and other developing countries show that community-led initiatives and indigenous practices can make positive contributions to sustainable biodiversity management. High-tech solutions should be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and capacity-building support is equally crucial.
The side event concluded that with collective efforts, biodiversity conservation will continue to advance to new heights, contributing to a future where humanity and nature coexist harmoniously.
25 October 2024|News
October 18, 2024 –Dr Jian Liu, Director of UNEP Early Warning and Assessment Divisionand the founding director of UNEP-IEMP, and Ms. Quanying Ren, UNEP’s Early Warning for Environment Coordinator, visited UNEP-IEMPand engaged in discussions with UNEP-IEMP staff and students on Early Warning for Environment (EW4E).
A brief presentation was delivered by Ms. Quanying Ren. EW4E is established to complement the Early Warnings for All (EW4All), which is initiated in 2022 by the UN Secretary-Generaland focuses on climate change and related disasters. With the fact that nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste crises also need attention for early warning, EW4E was launched at the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in February 2024. Led by UNEP, the EW4E’s mission is to protect all developing countries with its services, and together with EW4ALL, to minimise risks of disasters from the triple planetary crisis. The services of the EW4E are (i) Monitoring, Data Collection and Processing, Data Analysis; (ii) AI supported Early Warning Services to Cities and Countries; and (iii) Multi-Media Broadcasts, Rapid Response and Decision-Making System.
After the presentation, there were lively discussions about the active role of AI in the EW4E, the collaboration between NSFC and UNEP, opportunities for the UNEP Member States and potential contributions from UNEP-IEMP.
16 October 2024|News
Beijing, October 16, 2024 –Mr Jorge Laguna Celis, Director of the One Planet Network and Ms Youyi Zhang, Resource Mobilization Expert, visited UNEP-IEMP to explore potential areas of collaboration.
DrLinxiu Zhang, Director of UNEP-IEMP, warmly welcomed the delegation and presented brief introduction of UNEP-IEMP, highlighting its unique role as an extended arm of UNEP on the ground and in partnership with others on South-South Cooperation around the Climate, Ecosystems, and Livelihoods nexus. Mr Jorge Laguna Celis then introduced the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP), as an international commitment agreed at the Rio+20 Conference and the One Planet Network has been formed to implement the commitment of the 10YFP. The network is a multi-stakeholder partnership for sustainable development, generating collective impact through six programmes:Public Procurement,Buildings and Construction,Tourism,Food Systems,Consumer Information,andLifestyles and Education. It is the leading implementation mechanism for Goal 12 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The meeting saw a number of common interests and then discussed potential areas of cooperation. These include the science for policy support through research under the cooperation with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), contributions of UNEP-IEMP to the One Planet Network Forum 2025, and circular economy.
Group photo of attendees
08 October 2024|News
During 26-27 September 2024, the 5th International Delta Forum was successfully held in Dongying City, Shandong Province. The forum is jointly sponsored by the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the United Nations Environment Programme-International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), and the Geographical Society of China. With the theme of "Ecology, Agriculture, Science and Technology", the forum aims to carry out academic exchanges on related topics and promote ecological protection and high-quality development among the international delta regions.
The forum consisted of an opening ceremony, keynote and invited presentations, four parallel forums, and field trips. Mr. Guoqiang Yang, Secretary of the CPC Dongying Municipal Committee, accompanied by major leaders of relevant departments of Shandong provincial and Dongying municipal governments, Chinese and international experts and scholars, representatives of entrepreneurs, and officials of the host organizations and partners, attended the opening ceremony. As one of the organizers of the forum, Ms. Linxiu Zhang, Director of UNEP-IEMP, made a speech at the opening ceremony, and subsequently a keynote presentation entitled "Promoting Climate-Ecosystems-Livelihoods Nexus to Enhance the Resilience of Agri-Food Systems". Several researchers from UNEP-IEMP also attended the forum and related activities.
Ms. Linxiu Zhang delivering a speech at the opening ceremony
The forum released the scientific and technological achievements of eco-agriculture in the Yellow River Delta, announced the initiative of establishing an international exchange mechanism of experience in sustainable development of deltas, and unveiled scientific research platforms such as the Land and Sea Interaction Scientific Field Observation and Research Station in the Yellow River Estuary of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Since 2019, UNEP-IEMP has co-sponsored the International Delta Forum with partners, providing an effective platform for promoting international cooperation and development of delta regions and beyond.
25 September 2024|News
The "One Country One Priority Product (OCOP): Regional Organizing Group (ROG) Meeting (Extended) & and the International Capacity Building Workshop on Geographical Indications Environment & Sustainability (GIES) for Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) Development " were held at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Representatives from 22 countries as well as international organizations such as the International Scientific Data Committee (CODATA) and the World Data System (WDS) attended the meeting. Zhang Linxiu, Director of UNEP-IEMP, and Senior Researcher Sun Mingxing participated in the conference.
On September 13, Director Zhang Linxiu served in a panel discussion "One Country One Priority Product Geographical Indication Ecosystem" framework (OCOP GIES Framework) and stated that UNEP-IEMP, as the only global center of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) based in a developing country and serving developing countries, supports the relevant work of the framework. On September 21, Dr. Sun Mingxing delivered a presentation titled "Nexus Approaches for Tackling Triple Planetary Crisis & Application in Agricultural System," introducing the basic information and relevant work of UNEP-IEMP, particularly the CEL (Climate-Ecosystems-Livelihoods) framework and case studies on using integrated approaches to address challenges in agricultural and food systems. Director Zhang Linxiu and Dr. Sun Mingxing engaged in extensive exchanges with representatives from different countries, who expressed strong interest in UNEP-IEMP's global cooperation network and related research projects and conveyed their expectations for further collaboration with UNEP-IEMP.
23 September 2024|News
On September 20, 2024, Prof. Minjun Shi, Qiushi Distinguished Professor and PhD supervisor of Zhejiang University, was invited to visit UNEP-IEMP and delivered an academic lecture titled "Core Principles and Governance Mechanisms for the Realization of the Value of Ecological Products". The lecture attracted over 40 participants from institutions such as UNEP-IEMP, Peking University, China Agricultural University, Economic Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Normal University, and Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Professor Shi elaborated on the realization of ecological product value from four key aspects: "theoretical framework", "core essence", "practical models" and "governance mechanisms". He shared his insights, emphasizing the importance of balancing the transformation and protection of ecological product value, as well as aligning economic value with policy support. During the subsequent discussion session, Professor Shi engaged with participants in an in-depth exchange on the topic of ecological product value, drawing from theoretical debates, professional experiences, and everyday observations.
This academic lecture facilitated new reflections and understanding among participants on the topic of ecological product value and related issues, broadened their academic horizons, inspired innovative thinking, and expanded the existing collaborative network of UNEP-IEMP.
10 September 2024|News
On September 7, 2024, the 8th "Rural, Agriculture, and Farmer Forum" was successfully held in Beijing. Two members from UNEP-IEMP participated in the forum. The forum featured 42 papers centered around the theme of "Coordinating Urban-Rural Integrated Development and Advancing Comprehensive Rural Revitalization," with a focus on exploring how to uphold the integration of new-type urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization, while continuously safeguarding and improving people's livelihoods amidst development.
The Ph.D. candidate Xuan Zhichong presented a report titled "Development of E-commerce and Dietary Quality of Rural Residents: An Empirical Study Based on the ‘National Rural E-commerce Comprehensive Demonstration Policy’", which was nominated for the Best Paper Award at the forum. This paper analyzes the impact of e-commerce on the dietary quality of rural residents and its mechanisms. The master student Xu Yue presented on "Total Factor Productivity and GHG emissions intensity of Crop Planting: Evidence Based on the Fixed Observation Rural Survey in China", which empirically examined the impact of total factor productivity on crop cultivation carbon emissions and delved into its underlying mechanisms.
This successful forum showcased the current research achievements and practical explorations in the "rural, agriculture, and farmer" field, while also providing a learning and exchange platform for advancing related work in the future. UNEP-IEMP will continue to deepen cooperation with various sectors, incorporate the dimensions of "climate change", "biodiversity conservation" and "desertification control" into the research and practice of "three rural", and jointly contribute wisdom and strength to the development of the "three rural" causes.
