China unveils logo for UN meeting on biodiversity

China, the hosting country of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 15), and the convention's secretariat on Thursday jointly unveiled the logo for the United Nations gathering.

In the shape of a water droplet or a seed, the logo is inspired by the art of Chinese paper-cuttings and seals, and consists of elements with distinctive Chinese characteristics. Against the background of the oracle bone inscriptions, the "water droplet" contains a giant panda, a girl in an ethnic costume, a peacock, a butterfly, plum blossoms and sea waves that reflect biological and cultural diversity.

"It's a perfect interpretation of the 2050 vision of the convention on biological diversity, in which man and nature coexist harmoniously, and the desire of the world to promote ecological civilization," said Li Ganjie, minister of Ecology and Environment, addressing the ceremony to unveil the logo.

He also said the Chinese government will proactively promote preparations for COP 15 and make efforts with the secretariat and other parties concerned to make it one with milestone significance.

"The efforts and energy that China is applying in the preparations of the conference of the parties are tremendous. I know and am confident that they will leave successful results and leave a mark for the years to come, not just in China, but the whole world," said Elizabeth Mrema, acting executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The theme for COP 15, slated to be held in Kunming, Yunnan province, in October, will be Ecological Civilization - Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth. The conference will elaborate on the post-2020 global framework on biodiversity and identify global biodiversity protection goals up to 2030.