Dr. Zhou Jinfeng is Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), a China-based NGO participating at the leading edge of biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Born in 1962, Dr. Zhou has earned a global reputation as a seasoned supporter of sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation. Dr. Zhou Jinfeng graduated from Peking University and earned a PhD in Chemistry from Perdue University. Dr. Zhou was the proponent and one of the creators of China’s famous Guangcai (Glory) program which integrated the expertise, and efforts of the government, NGOs and private enterprises in creating sustainable businesses in the poorest areas of China. As an innovative business leader Dr. Zhou founded one of China’s first Internet providers, and subsequently built China’s largest and most reputable media/scientific laboratory supply companies.
Dr. Zhou has played leading roles in the development of his country which include: Being a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) for the ninth, tenth and eleventh session, standing committee member of the All China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Vice-Chair of the National Association of Vocational Education China (NAVEC) for the ninth and tenth session.
What has been the highlight of your career
Guangcai Cause (1994):
Zhou Jinfeng initiated the "Guangcai Cause" in 1994, leading to the upliftment of 20 million people from poverty and fostering the development of a significant number of private enterprises, numbering in the tens of thousands.
Equal Rights of Carbon (ERoC):
Zhou advocates for "Equal Rights of Carbon," where every individual on Earth is entitled to equal carbon rights and bears equal carbon responsibilities. This concept promotes the idea that environmental stewardship is a shared obligation for all.
Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood (BCON):
He also launched BCON, a global solution aiming to mobilise people in biodiversity conservation efforts. The initiative encourages community participation in the protection of diverse ecosystems and the various species that inhabit them. In 2023, it was selected by the Paris Peace Forum as a global solution promoting peace and sustainability.
describe how your organisation approaches impact investing
CBCGDF builds and optimises traditional media and new social media platforms, including Xiaokang and Biodiversity Mag. Currently, they are negotiating for China Civil Entrepreneur to join CBCGDF media. They actively participate in various related international and domestic activities. The foundation holds various seminars to exchange, discuss and provide suggestions on laws, policies and regulations.
What particular challenges in Asia and in the world are you working to solve within the impact field?
Our main challenge comes from interest groups who, out of huge interests, adhere to these traditional ideas.
Why is biodiversity so important to you and your organisation?
Because biodiversity loss is the most fundamental global crisis facing humanity. In addition, CBCGDF is the only national society in the field of biodiversity in China and the only national public welfare organisation. Therefore, biodiversity conservation is our mission.
How do you address the need for more capital to go into social issues like poverty alleviation?
Addressing the need for more capital in tackling social issues like poverty alleviation involves a multifaceted approach. While financial investments are one avenue, Zhou believes that the fundamental solution lies in shifting societal mindsets and advocating for policy changes, akin to the success achieved by the "Guangcai Program" initiated in 1994. This initiative not only emphasized the importance of financial contributions but also strategically focused on altering public perceptions, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering a collective societal commitment to poverty eradication. Recognising that poverty alleviation requires more than just monetary resources, it is crucial to prioritise awareness promotion and advance a change in societal attitudes towards these issues for sustainable and comprehensive solutions.
