"Biological diversity" means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It is the totality of all forms of life on the planet and as such, it is a common concern of humankind.
Biodiversity needs urgent attention and action from all citizens of the world. This will be crucial in determining whether the environmental conditions that benefitted human civilizations for over 10,000 years will exist beyond this century. Witnessing the beauty of nature and understanding the connections between all living things and the importance of biodiversity for our own well-being, helps us all to take positive action.
This book, "Fantastic Species: Wildlife Conservation in China through the Lens", takes us on a 100-year historical journey to discover the species and ecosystems of China. It helps us to appreciate the rich and unique biodiversity of China and learn about the evolution of conservation practices in China over the last century.
This work comes at a timely moment, when world leaders and stakeholders come together at the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, hosted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, to determine the course of action on the world’s biodiversity for the next decade and beyond.
The powerful forces that bring humans to care for biodiversity must continue to be harnessed to support the achievement of the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and those of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. It is my hope that this collection of beautiful photographs will touch the hearts and minds of readers and encourage them to become allies in achieving the 2050 Vision of Living in Harmony with Nature.
