The European Commission (EC) Delegation to China and the EU-China Biodiversity Conservation Program (ECBP) held a "Biodiversity Evening" in Beijing on Thursday to launch a book on biological diversity across China.

"Green Gold of China" has 500 images of the living situation of wild animals and plants. It covers the economic significance of protecting biological diversity.

Serge Abou, Ambassador of the EC Delegation to China, said China has seen environmental deterioration and could learn from the experience of Europe, which also neglected biodiversity protection years ago.

"Conserving biodiversity is a fundamental part of development," he said. "China's exceptional biodiversity makes it even more relevant."

John Mackinnon, co-author of the book and director of the Visibility and Awareness Component of ECBP, said: "Whether China can save its rare species and their natural habitats depends on the public's awareness of protection and their resolution to take action."

Wang Haibin, another co-author and a former State Forestry Administration employee on animal protection, said: "We hope this book not only helps adults become more aware of biodiversity protection, but also their children."

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2008)