CBIK''''s strategy for implementing the Yunnan Initiative is determined, to a great extent, by the scope and extent of the activities, its mandate, and expected levels of funding.

Five considerations contribute to the overall strategy:

1. Concentrate on our four key functions and provide services to civil society, indigenous communities and strategic partners

2. Work closely with partner institutions and strategic alliances

3. Establish an effective network and outreach communication

4. Establish a planning, monitoring, and evaluation process for assessment of quality and quantity of outputs and impacts

5. Diversify the funding-raising channels

Institutional Niches

CBIK serves as an independent non-profit charity organization for bridging scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge, promoting cross-cultural dialogue, supporting governmental efforts for biological and cultural diversity conservation, and bridging Chinese society with the international society. It will build upon existing institutions through innovative approaches to working together with indigenous peoples. CBIK has specifically recruited young professionals, placed them in interdisciplinary fieldwork situations, and provided them opportunities for training workshops and scholarships. The expertise has been drawn particularly from the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese of Sciences, which offers Ph.D. and Master Degrees in ethnobotany and environmental natural resource management. The organizational structure consists of an executive board, advisory board, executive directors for field oriented and supporting programs.

Working with Partners and in Strategic Alliance

There are numerous opportunities for CBIK to collaborate with local institutions and international organizations in the field of indigenous knowledge, livelihood development and biodiversity conservation.