More than 120 representatives from environmental protection authorities in Yunnan were trained on how to implement Yunnan Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (YBSAP). The training was organized by Yunnan Environmental Protection Department (YEPD) with support from ADB.

The workshop aimed to:

• build the capacity of environmental protection authorities at all levels of the province in implementing YBSAP
• provide guidance on the development of local implementation plans,
• enhance design and management on biodiversity conservation projects,
• interpret the YBSAP to the nature reserve management bodies, and
• enhance sectoral communication and cooperation.

The YBSAP is a high level strategic document that provides a blueprint for biodiversity conservation in the province. The plan includes Yunnan’s biodiversity features; protected areas, regulations and plans relating to biodiversity protection; threats to biodiversity; identified recommendations for priority areas for conservation planning. The plan also includes 35 priority projects in Yunnan.

CEP provides technical support and synergy building in the development and implementation of YBSAP. CEP projects sites in Xishuangbanna and Deqin are located in the prioritized areas of YBSAP. CEP activities in Yunnan such as biodiversity corridor conservation, transboundary conservation cooperation, biodiversity monitoring will be integrated in YBSAP implementation.

Experts from YEPD, Yunnan Institute of Environmental Sciences, Southwest Forestry University; ADB, and WWF representatives; and representatives from AECOM, a consulting firm, participated in the workshops.

Biodiversity conservation in the PRC is conducted under the framework of the 2011–2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Released in 2011, the NBSAP sets targets for national conservation and commits provinces to prepare provincial BSAPs. The development of 4 provincial BSAPs namely Chongqing, Guangxi, Sichuan and Yunnan is nearing completion.