The 17^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 17) was held in Yerevan, Armenia from October 19-30. The Cop 17 brought together governments, international organizations, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth and the private sector to assess progress, strengthen cooperation and accelerate action for biodiversity.

On October 26 local time, the "Yunnan Day" side events of the China Pavilion at COP 17 were held under the theme "From Kunming to Yerevan: Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity". The event was hosted by the Department of Ecology and Environment of Yunnan Province and co-organized by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG).

Through ethnic eco-cultural exhibitions and interactive experiences, thematic reports and roundtable forums, the event presented to the international community Yunnan's practices and achievements in biodiversity conservation, the inheritance of traditional ethnic knowledge and sustainable utilization. Exhibits featuring Yunnan's distinctive elements, such as tie-dye, ancient-tree tea, under-forest coffee and Dongba script, attracted attendees to stop and experience them.

Prof. Xing Yaowu, director of XTBG, introduced the directions and contributions of botanical gardens of Chinese Academy of Sciences in supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Taking XTBG as a case study, he elaborated on the "Chinese solution" for ex situ conservation.

Prof. Hu Huabin made a presentation titled “Building biodiversity experience bases and revitalizing traditional knowledge: a case from XTBG”. He shared XTBG's approach to "revitalizing" ethnobotanical knowledge into accessible, participatory and profitable science communication and industrial scenarios.

Meanwhile, a series of mosquito-repellent and anti-itch products developed from flea grass essential oil were showcased at the COP17 China Pavilion exhibition area, becoming a vivid example of "transforming traditional ethnic wisdom into modern industrial outcomes and driving income growth for farming households."

Prof. Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz presented "Cross-border biodiversity conservation and cultural synergy: cooperative pathways for Asian elephant conservation." He compared the different trajectories of the same Asian elephant population on both sides of the China-Laos border and proposed some solutions.

During the conference, Xing Yaowu was interviewed by Armenian national television, introducing to the local public China's achievements in biodiversity conservation.

Participants pose a group photo.

Dong Baotong, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, learns about flea grass and its products.

Prof. Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz makes presentation.