The 2019 theme forum of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development: Biodiversity Conservation 2050 Global Vision was held in Hangzhou on June 2, 2019. Participating members discussed the global biodiversity conservation framework after 2020 and ways to promote the 2050 vision of "harmony between man and nature". Focusing on two units "Protecting biodiversity, moving towards ecological civilization" and "Opening a new journey and moving towards a common goal", CCICED member Marco Lambertini, Director-General of WWF, and CCICED Special Advisor Naoko Ishii, CEO and Chair, Global Environment Facility, co-chaired the session. Here is a summary of the discussion:

Lambertini noted that the world now is facing two major challenges: climate change and habitat loss. A measurable goal should be set by 2030 to stop biodiversity and habitat loss. With such a goal, ecological footprint should be increased and the loss of natural space should be prevented.

Naoko Ishii highlighted the importance of implementation and action on the ground to address biodiversity protection issues. First, is to change the existing system; Second, is to reduce the ecological footprint and change the mode of production and consumption, etc.; Third, is to take actions to achieve sustainable development of food and land; Fourth, is to get more policy makers involved; Fifth, is to fully understand global supply chain to ensure the sustainable development of commodities.

CCICED member Art Hanson suggested: First, he called for a top down policy design; Second, reshaping the concept of global citizenship and establishing the values of ecological civilization.

Wang Li, Supreme People's Procuratorate, introduced improvements in China's legal and regulation system for biodiversity conservation. Wang also mentioned problems such as no specific legislation, lag in law content, and multi-sectoral management.

Jack Hurd, TNC, highlighted the importance on the protection of land and water and China could be a model for others in the conservation of more areas. Jack also mentioned that private sectors should be involved more to meet the funding gap .

Li Shan, Alipay Foundation, suggested that Internet can play a role in reducing environment protection barriers, quantifying environment protection behaviors, and strengthening emotional connections between people and the environment.

Zhang Qingfeng, ADB, recommended to promote natural capital accounting, encourage environmental investment; introduce new financing models to promote biodiversity conservation and rural revitalization; set up supervision and coordination mechanisms to stimulate investment needs of natural capital.

Ouyang Zhiyun, Chinese Academy of Sciences, recommended: establishing national and regional biodiversity assessment indicators, integrating biodiversity conservation into government priorities; establishing and optimizing China's biodiversity and ecosystems; and setting up a compensation system for preservation efforts.

Lu Zhi, Peking University, emphasized on paying more attention to biodiversity conservation outside protected areas, building mechanisms, and encouraging public participation.

Yang Rui, Tsinghua University, suggested that actions should be taken in law, administration, planning, marketing, and education to achieve the implementation of mainstreaming natural protection.

Dimitri de Boer, Client Earth, encouraged enhancing ecological redline legal system through enacting law enforcement regulations, providing negative lists and taking preventive measures.

Joyce Msuya, UNEP, made the opening keynote address and noted that restoring nature is an effective economic aid and strategic tool for achieving sustainable development. Natural solutions to address climate change should be prioritized; expanding the use of sustainable ecological natural resources while restoring ecosystems; and focusing on rules played by people from local communities.

Alexander Shestakov, CBD Secretariat, highlighted in the keynote speech that four important cornerstones for realizing the 2050 vision are the vision, motivation, accountability, and addressing cross-regional issues.

Wei Fuwen, Chinese Academy of Sciences, put forward the concept framework, suggesting objectives of development from 2020 to 2050 , with 6 strategic priorities and 13 goals.

Olivier Robinet, Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, France, noted that the change in land use patterns caused global biodiversity loss.

Basile van Havre, Co-Chair of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighted the importance of participation of all stakeholders; strengthening economic assessment studies and costs of resources, actions and inaction; regional consultations should be strengthened.

CCICED member Hideki Minamikawa, President of the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center,

noted that natural restoration can better protect biodiversity.

CCICED Special Advisor Dominic Waughray, World Economic Forum, emphasized the significance of sustainable landscape management in achieving biodiversity preservation goals.

Harvey Locke, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, suggested that areas with dense populations and agriculture activities also suffer from less biodiversity. Different strategies should be set for different regional conditions to help protect the integrity of the earth's ecosystem.

Peter White, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, noted that we should prepare for the COP15 meeting: strengthening the participation of non-state stakeholders; encouraging corporate action; setting clear goals; strengthening business participation in natural biodiversity; and strengthening coordinated development between food, climate, economic development and health.

Wu Ning, Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared his view on the challenges, noting the increasing capability of most countries in evaluating and fulfilling national determined goals. He also called for the scientific community to give governments more policy recommendations to effectively promote real changes on the ground.

Peng Kui, Global Environmental Institute, reminded participants that community-based ecological protection models and forms should be promoted; called for more efforts by NGOs; China should play the unique rule.

In closing remarks, Ishii noted we should consider projects that can be landed with nature conservation and economic development linked together. Integration of food safety, water resource utilization and land security should also be taken into consideration. We have to make use of government, enterprises and NGOs to make a real change.

Lambertini restated that in order to achieve biodiversity conservation goals, the following tasks should be considered: First, developing measurable and achievable goals; Second, integrating goals into the business community and strengthening the participation of different stakeholders; Third, integrating with the economy to achieve green growth; Fourth, finding solutions, such as raising more funds.