In China's Yunnan Province, Forests Provide Haven For Biodiversity • France 24 English

Yunnan Province in China, also known as the kingdom of animals and plants, is a biodiversity hotspot that boasts an extraordinary range of species. From the snow-capped mountains on the Tibetan border to the shared rainforests with Myanmar, this southwestern Chinese province is home to nearly 20,000 plant species and 2,000 animal species. Its rich biodiversity has attracted scientists from all over the country.

One of the remarkable features of Yunnan Province is its towering trees. Climbing over the canopy, researchers have discovered the tallest crane in the world used for observing forests. This crane, known as Dongjin Long, enables scientists to study the treetops of the 110 shoe or the trees that reach up to 80 meters in height. By approaching these tree giants, researchers can not only collect valuable data but also touch and interact with them without causing any damage.

Within an observation area spanning one hectare, researchers have found nearly 7,000 plants, including orchids. These orchids, some of which are endangered species, provide essential data for protection efforts and a better understanding of their environment. From his perch, the biologist Dongjin Long spots surprises every day, discovering previously unknown flowers that require further study and classification.

The discovery of new plant species in Yunnan Province is not a rare occurrence. Last year alone, Dongjin Long and his colleagues discovered dozens of new plant species. These discoveries are meticulously documented, with samples being dried, archived, and sent to research centers across China. This meticulous work is essential for protecting and preserving the fragile plants and biodiversity of Yunnan Province.

However, Yunnan Province's forests face significant threats, primarily from intensive agriculture, particularly rubber plantations. Over 40 percent of the province is covered with forests, but the surface area for rubber trees has almost tripled in the past 30 years. To counteract the negative impact of deforestation, Swiss biologist Gerard Bilgemeister has dedicated 20 years of his life to recreating a small jungle on a plot of land. By planting various tree species and allowing insects, birds, and bats to return, he has created a whole new ecosystem, demonstrating the capacity of forests to adapt, even to climate change.

The success of Bilgemeister's project highlights the importance of shifting from monocultures to diverse forests. Not only do forests contribute to environmental harmony, but they also provide habitat for various species. Bilgemeister believes that if such initiatives can have a wider impact, the positive outcomes for biodiversity and the environment will be even greater.

Raising awareness about environmental protection is a crucial mission for Xi Jinong, a photographer who has been capturing Yunnan's wildlife on camera for four decades. Recognizing the lack of knowledge and understanding about nature in China, Xi Jinong took his camera out 39 years ago to document and raise awareness about the region's wildlife. His photographs played a significant role in protecting the habitat of endangered species like the golden monkeys of Yunnan.

Today, Xi Jinong takes tourists up a 4,000-meter mountain so they can witness the beauty and importance of wildlife firsthand. Through his work, he hopes to inspire more people to study, record, and film nature, as the general public in China knows little about how nature works. This knowledge is essential for the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of Yunnan's unique wildlife.

Education plays a vital role in protecting biodiversity, and at Shishuangbana Botanical Park in Yunnan Province, it starts at a very young age. Eight-year-old children are already learning about the environment and the intricate relationships between different species. As they observe the Banyan Tree and its ability to strangle and absorb nutrients from other plants, these young students are taught the importance of awareness and behavioral change in protecting biodiversity.

Yunnan Province may represent just four percent of China's landmass, but it is home to more than half of the country's biodiversity. The efforts of scientists, conservationists, photographers, and educators are essential in preserving this extraordinary kingdom of animals and plants and raising awareness about the significance of environmental protection. Only through knowledge and action can we ensure the survival and thriving of Yunnan's unique and diverse ecosystem.