Based on ethnobotanical studies and biodiversity conservation actions, CBIK aims to discover new bio-resources and develop participatory biodiversity conservation initiatives and practices with indigenous people in . The main mission of CBIK is to recognize indigenous knowledge on bio-resources utilization, and push regional dialogues on biological and cultural diversity conservation actions among rural communities, NGOs, academia and governmental agencies.

Ethnic Costumes

Indigenous people have rich ethnobotanical knowledge, which provides a potential pathway for discovering new plant resources. CBIK pays special attentions to collecting and studying traditional ethnobotanical knowledge on important resource plants, such as medicinal plants, wild edible plants, traditional dye plants and skin caring plants, serving research and development on new bio-productions in industry. Also, CBIK tries to develop feasible ways for carrying out the access and benefit sharing (ABS) from genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge among communities, serving indigenous people livelihood and local sustainable development of economy and environment.

CBIK Framework

Ethnobotanical Survey

With economic development and global climate changes, natural ecosystem in Yunnan has been seriously crushed, resulting in diverse rare animals and plants are facing with imminent danger, and diverse traditional cultures are losing fast. How to maintain the original biodiversity and cultural diversity has currently become a critical issue without delay in this area. Indigenous people lived in Yunnan area have accumulated abundant eco-knowledge and sustainable development eco-views. Based on cultural and ecological contexts from different people groups, CBIK is launching participatory resource management and conservation practices on biodiversity and cultural diversity at the community level, such as pushing the reforestation of sacred forests and holy mountains.

Ethnobotanical Medicine Market

Forest

“The Advisory Committee of Yunnan Resource Strategies for Wild Plants” and “The Advisory Committee of Yunnan Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity Conservation” were established within CBIK as its members are mostly specialized in plant resource management, Ethnobotany, and Conservation Biology. The Advisory Committees provide consultations and services for governmental agencies concerned and the public in interest. Also, CBIK is trying to participate in the ‘One Road One Belt’ construction between and other countries within through pushing academic and cultural communications.

Medicinal Plant Malania oleifera Chun