The Yunnan Initiative: Visions and actions for the enhancement of biological and cultural diversity

The Yunnan Initiative calls attention to the large uncertainties that local (and indigenous) cultures face as they strive to use, nurture and sustain the diverse landscapes in which they live and on which they depend. Among the most powerful contemporary forces that influence both local cultures and biodiversity are various government policies and the expansion of regional, national and international markets. These forces are positive in some cases and not in others. The participants of the Cultures and Biodiversity Congress (CUBIC) 2000, held in Yunnan Province, China, designed the Yunnan Initiative. This Initiative provides a vision, principles and actions to enhance the ability of local groups to strengthen their evolving cultural traditions while finding innovative solutions for improving their livelihoods and enhancing biodiversity.