DIVERSITAS is an international program of biodiversity science established in 1991 that aims to address the complex scientific questions posed by the loss of and change in global biodiversity. By networking individuals across natural and social science disciplines, it facilitates research that extends beyond national or regional boundaries to address issues of global concern, thereby adding value to research projects being undertaken around the world.

CNC-DIVERSITAS (the Chinese National Committee for DIVERSITAS) is an academic organization that was created on October 28, 2004 to coordinate and conduct local activities of DIVERSITAS in China. CNC-DIVERSITAS is led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with committee members from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, State Forestry Administration, State Oceanic Administration and National Natural Science Foundation. The Office of Biodiversity Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (BC-CAS) is in charge of the daily operation of CNC-DIVERSITAS. The 2nd Chinese National Committee for DIVERSITAS was established in March 2011.

The CNC-DIVERSITAS is responsible for taking part in the activities of DIVERSITAS as the national representative to promote international cooperation and exchange; promoting domestic biodiversity research and academic exchange; providing advice and consultation on plans of biodiversity studies, managing of biological resources and the environment, and developing sustainable development strategies for decision makers; assessing and reviewing key domestic and international cooperation projects, commissioned by ministries and related organizations; disseminating knowledge of biodiversity to enhance the public awareness of biodiversity conservation.