The second phase of the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is held in Montreal, Canada from December 7 to 19. Yunnan sent an official delegation to attend the conference, and brought many "Yunnan elements" to the venue, among which Haicai Qiang (Haicai Tune)  of the Yi Nationality is an eye-catching one.

Haicai Qiang of the Yi Nationality is a local traditional music popular in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. It is said that it originated from a small tune sung by local ancestors when they were fishing on Yilong Lake, and it was named after this for an aquatic herb in the local Yilong Lake which is called "haicai". With a history of nearly 700 years, it is known as the "living fossil" of Yunnan ethnic music. It has a wide vocal range, and its tunes are either high and exciting or melodious. The true and false conversion of natural sound without leaving a trace is really amazing.

Folk singers Li Huaixiu (李怀秀), the older sister, and Li Huaifu (李怀福), the brother, from Shiping County of Honghe Prefecture performed in Montreal this time. They performed at the first stage of COP15 in Kunming last October. "I'm thrilled and honored to be invited back." Li Huaixiu said that Haicai Qiang is an original singing passed down from generation to generation. The lyrics sing about the mountains and rivers, flowers and trees, birds and animals, insects and fish in hometown, vividly reflecting the concept of harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature. Even the name "haicai" has something to do with biodiversity conservation, because the sea cauliflower (haicai) can only grow in a clear and clean water.

"We will do our best to do great performance, let Haicai Qiang shine on the international stage." Li Huaixiu introduced that they brought gorgeous and exquisite flower waist Yi clothing, well-made instrument, selected the "Today is a good day" "Moonlight Boat" and other pieces of music.

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(Editors: Rachel, Amy)