WCC 2020 Res 092 - Activity Report

Dendrobium officinale is a traditional medicinal herb whose wild populations are facing unsustainable exploitation. To address this issue, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) established the 'Community Conservation Area for Dendrobium officinale' in Yuyao, Zhejiang Province. This conservation area is located in the Siming Mountain area of Luting Township, a region historically known as the native habitat of Dendrobium officinale. However, around the year 2000, the wild population of the plant was on the verge of extinction. Over the past few years, CBCGDF, in collaboration with Zhejiang University and other institutions, has carried out artificial breeding research, successfully reduced the needs for its wild population, while also exploring pathways for ecological and economic synergy. In 2022, 'Yuyao Dendrobium officinale' was granted the China Geographical Indication Certification Trademark, becoming a unique local brand alongside other regional specialties like preserved vegetables and tea. Through conservation efforts and artificial breeding, the Dendrobium officinale industry has become an important pillar of the Yuyao regional economy, addressing the issue of endangered wild resources while contributing to rural revitalization.