I am an individual deeply invested in the preservation of rare species and their genetics, and this is deeply personal to me. One notable example is the ancient Yunnan Walnut from China, now almost disappearing from orchards in its homeland and across the entire country. Despite attempts to inoculate this species against fungi and ringworm, the Yunnan Walnut cannot be cloned or grown from seed, thus threatening its survival.

This unique species is often overlooked and regretfully, the subject of unkind jokes. Yet, it holds untold, invaluable genetic variety which, if deeply researched and understood, could greatly impact our understanding of plant diversity. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, biodiversity, including the variety of plant species, plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem and thus contributes directly to our survival.

Yet we are failing species like the Yunnan Walnut. Failed efforts for its propagation show that we have still a lot to understand and explore about this quiet, humble species. It's time to give it the attention it deserves, not just for its resilience but for the role it plays in our global ecosystem, which is of utmost importance especially in these times of rapid planetary changes.

We understand the Yunnan Walnut is not just a passing issue, it's an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the world. Join us to call on the scientific community, the Chinese authorities and world preservationists to ramp up their efforts in researching and preserving the Yunnan Walnut. Please sign this petition to support the cause.