COP26 has highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and how climate change is an existential threat that must be addressed by all the nations of the world.

Protecting the planet while ensuring livelihoods is an enormous challenge, one that Juncao technology can assist in providing solutions.

Formulated by Lin Zhanxi of China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University back in 1986, and now part of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Juncao technology is employed in over 100 countries across the world from the Pacific, Asia and Africa.

Lin Zhanxi is now chief scientist of China’s National Engineering Research Centre for Juncao Technology.

He was able to develop a method that uses wild grasses to grow mushrooms and also create a robust herbaceous plant that can not only be used as the culture substrate for cultivating edible and medicinal fungi but also can be used as a wood-pulp substitute.

Juncao technology allows communities to make a good living without high up-front costs while having tremendous ecological upside – a panacea for developing economies. It has been used as a new way of ecological management in 31 provinces in China.

Earlier today, the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs put on a virtual tour and presentation, entitled, “Juncao Grass Green Barrier: Ecological Control and Industry Development by Juncao Technology” hosted by Dr Dongmei Lin.

Through videos, she highlighted the employment of Juncao technology in different countries.

Used in coastal areas, desertification spots, saline-alkali lands and mines, increasing arable lands by addressing soil erosion, it is transformational while at the same time ecologically pragmatic.

Pington Island in China, experiences 300 days of stormy winds above Level 6 and 200 days above Level 7. Here Juncao grass was used as a shelter belt to protect plants and farmland, forming a biological barrier.

Juncao is planted in Nigeria and is used for animal feed and to address desertification. It has also been used to help remedy soil erosion in Rwanda. It has proven effective in arid and semi-arid areas and is a proven shoreline protection measure which aids in river water conservation.

Its many facets include a replacement for wood in the manufacturing of high-performance artificial board and as a substitute for wood pulp to make paper.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said in a submitted video message: “I must commend China for sharing this beneficial technology with over 100 countries and the world at large. The world is grappling with multiple challenges including climate change, poverty and most of all, food insecurity. Sustainable ways of achieving economic recovery, growth and development are critical during the pandemic. Juncao technology is one such way. It helps small-scale farmers to develop low cost commercial scale, mushroom cultivation.

‘In addition, it also helps in combating desertification and can be used as food for livestock, poverty alleviation and tackling climate change. The innovative Jancao technology suits our society and economy.”

While governments must lead, we all have a role to play in protecting the planet. Jancao technology has helped local communities across the world by implementing sustainable development solutions.