Yerevan—Chongqing, in southwest China, shared its efforts to protect endangered species, monitor biodiversity, and safeguard migratory birds at the China Pavilion during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, on Oct. 27.
A display of Chongqing's local specialties, cultural products, and wildlife-themed souvenirs at the China Pavilion during COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia. (Photo: Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
The event also presented the monitoring systems developed at two biodiversity observation stations on Chongqing's Jinyun and Jinfo mountains. International delegates discussed opportunities for further cooperation in biodiversity conservation.
COP17, held from Oct. 19 to 30, is conducting the first global review of collective progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a landmark agreement adopted at COP15 in 2022. The framework sets 23 targets for 2030, including protecting ecosystems and restoring damaged habitats.
The Chongqing-themed event was hosted by the Wuxi County People's Government and organized by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, with guidance from the Information Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the Chongqing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau.
Representatives and guests gather for a group photo at the China Pavilion during COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia. (Photo: Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
Located along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing is home to about 32 million people across its urban and rural areas. At the event, themed around biodiversity conservation in a megacity, He Xiushan, head of the Wuxi County government, outlined how Chongqing is integrating biodiversity protection into urban governance through monitoring, species conservation, and public participation.
Scientific monitoring was a major focus of Chongqing's presentation. Two biodiversity observation stations on Jinyun Mountain and Jinfo Mountain, both inaugurated in August, form the core of Chongqing's monitoring network, which also includes 110 monitoring sites and plots. The network covers six types of ecosystems: forests, shrublands, grasslands, wetlands, farmland, and urban areas. It helps researchers track wildlife, plants, and changes in their habitats over time.
International delegates sample Laoying tea from Chongqing's Wuxi County during the COP17 China Pavilion event. (Photo: Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
During a presentation at the China Pavilion, the Chongqing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau highlighted progress at the two stations.
At the Jinyun Mountain station, satellite remote sensing, ground-based monitoring, 3D digital models, and artificial intelligence are used to study the local environment. The station has created a digital model of a one-hectare forest plot and deployed more than 80 monitoring devices. The system collects and analyzes environmental data to support decisions on species and habitat protection.
The Jinfo Mountain station focuses on the karst ecosystem of southwestern China, monitoring rare species such as black leaf monkeys and Chinese silver fir, along with their habitats. It uses more than 60 monitoring devices and satellite data to track changes over time.
A visitor adds a leaf-shaped note to an interactive tree display, part of an activity inviting delegates to share wildlife species associated with their home countries. (Photo: Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
Chongqing also shared its efforts to protect migratory birds along routes that cross the city's mountainous landscape. Its parallel mountain ridges and valleys form natural migration routes for more than 30 species of raptors.
Chen Can, deputy secretary-general of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, introduced the city's "Eagle City" initiative, which brings together bird monitoring, volunteer patrols, environmental education, and international youth exchanges to encourage wider participation in bird conservation.
In 2024, Chongqing designated its first group of nine bird migration corridors, including four used by raptors and other land birds. The city has stepped up monitoring and patrols along these routes and taken measures against illegal hunting and activities that could disrupt migration. The efforts show how wildlife protection can be built into the management of a major urban area.
Chongqing's approach also drew interest from international delegates. Hatem Ben Belgacem, director of ecology and natural areas at Tunisia's Ministry of Environment, noted the role of nonprofit organizations in Chongqing's biodiversity conservation efforts. He identified migratory bird conservation, wetland management, and biodiversity monitoring as potential areas for cooperation between the two sides.
Chongqing's conservation efforts also extend to Chinese thuja (Thuja sutchuenensis), a rare tree native to China that was once thought to be extinct in the wild. It was rediscovered in Chongqing in 1999. According to figures reported by Xinhua in June 2026, researchers had raised more than 3.51 million Chinese thuja seedlings, with over 870,000 transplanted into suitable natural habitats to help restore wild populations.
Wuxi County also presented its local conservation work. Zhang Changjun, head of the county's ecology and environment bureau, described efforts to monitor wildlife and strengthen enforcement against illegal hunting, drawing on the Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve and a local biodiversity monitoring station.
The event also gave international delegates a chance to explore Chongqing's local culture. An interactive installation inspired by a laoying tea tree from Wuxi invited visitors to write down species associated with their home countries. Delegates also tasted local tea and tried traditional crafts, including embroidery from Wuxi and plant dyeing from Dazu District.