The campaign “100+ Biodiversity Positive Practices and Actions Around the World” is now open for submissions. The campaign aims to showcase noteworthy biodiversity-related actions, practices and models and to demonstrate the strong commitment of non-governmental actors worldwide to protect, conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. It is held in the context of the preparations for the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to be held in Kunming, China, during which the post-2020 global biodiversity framework will be considered for adoption, the biodiversity targets for the following decade will be determined, and the vision statement for harmonious co-existence between human and nature by 2050 will be formulated. Please refer to the following guidelines.

I. Organization of the Initiative

Authorities for guidance: Office of the Executive Committee for the Preparation of COP15, China, and CBD Secretariat

Co-hosts: China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF), Paradise International Foundation

Co-organizers: Shan Shui Conservation Center (SSCC), Global Environmental Institute (GEI)

First group of supporter: Yangtze River Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China， IUCN, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, China Environment News， Chinese Academy of Forestry, National Resource Centre for Chinese Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， Conservation International (CI), Client Earth, The Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) implemented by UNDP (UNDP GEF SGP), Weibo

II. Submission Period

20th July 2021 to 31st August 2021

III. Submission Criteria

1. What to submit

Eligible entities are invited to submit case studies or good practices that focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, and or the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The case studies or good practices will involve non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For more information, see section “2. Who can submit.” Submissions will be categorized as follows:

2. Who can submit

Applicants shall be independent legal entities that have undertaken and implemented the biodiversity-related initiative being submitted, including but not limited to non-governmental and civil organizations (social groups, foundations, social service institutions, etc), corporate entities, government-affiliated institutions, civic groups, communities, academia and schools. Government departments are also invited to submit case studies involving civil society organizations.

Each applicant may not submit more than three case studies or good practices.

3. Scope of the campaign

The campaign is global in scope, and submissions from around the world are welcome, in English or Chinese.

4. How to Submit

Here are two ways to submit, please choose one of those below:

I. By online form. Please scan the QR code below or click on the link: http://lxi.me/mgywx to fill the online form. Besides filling in the online form, please download the confirming declaration page below also (see appendix 2 of this announcement), print this page and affix with the official seal and sign, then upload it in the online form by the form of scanned copy or photo.

II. By Email. If you cannot access to the link of the online form above, you can also submit your case by Email. Please download the submission form (see appendix 1 of this annoucement), fill the form and send it with the confirming declaration page (appendix 2, please affix official seal and sign then upload scanned file or photo), and 3 photos that could show the content of the case to biodiversitycase@sina.com. The subject should clearly refer to the submission, for example: "Example Submission -- Name of Applicant".

IV. Evaluation Criteria

1. National and international experts in fields related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing will be invited to evaluate the submissions between September 1st to 20th, 2021.

2. Submissions will be assessed from multiple perspectives, including their ecological value, social impact and benefit, innovation, promotion and sustainability, and textual/visual presentation.

3. The evaluation will be carried out in three steps: short-listing, preliminary review, and final review. Over 100 “noteworthy examples” of case studies and good practices will be selected, among which 10-20 “outstanding examples” will be singled out.

V. Announcement and release

In accordance with the experts’ review, the results of “noteworthy examples” and “outstanding examples” will be published on the co-hosts’ official websites for public notification, and if no objection occurs they will be released at the COP15 NGO Forum officially.

VI. Awards

1. The “noteworthy examples” and “outstanding examples” winners will be awarded with certificates by the Co-hosts.

2. The winners of the “noteworthy examples” and “outstanding examples” from Chinese territory will have chance to be financially supported to attend the COP 15 NGO Forum in Kunming, China, while winners from outside of Chinese territory will be invited to join the COP 15 NGO Forum online.

3. Pamphlets summarizing the “noteworthy examples” and “outstanding examples” will be prepared and distributed to delegates during CBD COP 15 in both English and Chinese. It will be also published as a book in both English and Chinese in later times.

VII. Important information

1. When submitting their case studies (including but not limited to words, photos, and graphs), the applicant must ensure there are no copyright disputes, and agree to authorize the event organizers to use and publish the submitted and selected cases for free. In case of disputes or public opinion incidents arising from the infringement by the submitted and selected cases and/or photos, the applicant shall bear the responsibilities arising therefrom and indemnify the co-hosts of the event for any losses incurred thereby.

2. The applicant must ensure the authenticity of the submitted cases. If false case materials are provided, the submission will be removed and the applicant be disqualified. Such fraud or deceptive behavior will also be reported by hosts in a reasonable manner. In case such disputes occur, the applicant shall bear the responsibilities arising therefrom and indemnify the co-hosts of the event for any losses incurred thereby.

3. The co-host (China Environmental Protection Foundation) CEPF and the Paradise International Foundation) reserves the right of final interpretation of this event.

VIII. Contact

Email: biodiversitycase@sina.com

Appendix1: Confirming declaration page

Appendix2: 100+ Biodiversity Positive Practices and Actions From Around the World Submission and Promotion