The World Biosphere Reserve Congress is the largest and most influential international conference under UNESCO’s "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Programme, held once every decade. The 5th Congress will be held from 22 to 25 September 2025 at the Hangzhou International Expo Center, China. It is organized by UNESCO and co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province. As a key event of the Congress, the parallel forum titled "Integrative Conservation of Plant Diversity: Reserves, Botanical Gardens and Local Communities," hosted by XTBG, will take place on 24 September 2025. This forum aims to strengthen collaboration between protected areas and botanical gardens, integrate scientific research with community engagement, and explore resilient and sustainable approaches to plant diversity conservation.

Organizers

UNESCO MAB Programme

Chinese Academy of Sciences

People’s Government of Zhejiang Province

 Organizer of the Parallel Forum

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Supporting Organizations

Botanic Gardens Conservation International, BGCI

(To be continued)

Forum Theme

Integrative Conservation of Plant Diversity: Reserves, Botanical Gardens and Local Communities

Language

The official language of the forum is English. Simultaneous interpretation (Chinese-English) will be provided during the event to facilitate full participation and communication.

Date & Venue

Forum Date: 24 September 2025 (10:00-13:00)

Venue: Hangzhou International Expo Center (WBR Congress Venue)

Format & Topics

The forum will feature keynote presentations, case sharing, and roundtable discussions, focusing on the following topics:

Innovative Collaboration Mechanisms: 

How reserves and botanical gardens can jointly address global challenges such as species extinction and habitat fragmentation;

China’s Experience and Global Contribution:

Exploring integrated in situ and ex situ conservation through the National Botanical Garden system;

Public Education and Community Co-Building:

Transforming environmental education into civic actions and integrating traditional knowledge into conservation practices.

Call for Case Presentations

Outstanding cases are now being solicited globally and nationally for presentation at the forum. Submissions are welcome from botanical gardens, protected areas, research institutions, NGOs, and community organizations. Topics may include but are not limited to: ex situ conservation practices, community engagement models, innovations in science education, and ecological restoration projects.

Format: On-site poster or booth display. Outstanding cases will receive a forum certificate and media coverage.

Submission: Please complete the “Case Presentation Application Form” (see attachment 1) and send it to  wangsidi@xtbg.ac.cn.

Deadline: 8 August, 2025.

Preliminary Agenda

Registration (September 23, Hangzhou)

Forum (September 24, Hangzhou)

Keynote & Panel Guests

To be continued, more distinguished speakers will be confirmed soon. Stay tuned!

Invitation

We warmly invite botanical gardens, research institutes, NGOs, and related organizations to join the forum as Supporting Organizations, and work together to advance integrative plant diversity conservation. Supporting organizations will be entitled to:

●Recommend delegates to participate in the forum’s thematic discussions;

●Submit exemplary cases to showcase innovative practices and achievements;

●Display their logo and institutional profile on the official “Supporting Organization” section of the Congress website.

Fees

There is no registration fee for this parallel forum. Meals and accommodation during the event will be coordinated by the organizing committee. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation expenses, and the committee can assist with hotel booking.

Accommodation will be arranged for the night of 23 September 2025. Participants may choose single or double rooms as needed. Preferential room rates have been negotiated with the hotel and will be shared upon confirmation of registration.

Registration

Please complete the Conference Attendance Confirmation Form and email it to the Secretariat at wangsidi@xtbg.ac.cn (Attn: Wang Sidi) by September 1 to facilitate the arrangement of materials and accommodation.

Contact Person: Mr. Sidi Wang

Mobile: +86 159 6952 8804

Email: wangsidi@xtbg.ac.cn

Registration Deadline: 8 August, 2025

Notes

●The total number of participants will be limited to around 150, and registration will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis based on the order of returned confirmation forms.

●No pick-up or drop-off services will be provided. We appreciate your understanding. If you have special transportation needs, please contact the Secretariat directly.

●If you have any special requirements (e.g., dietary restrictions), please indicate them in the confirmation form to help us make appropriate arrangements

The second circular will include official registration details, transportation, and accommodation arrangements. Experts and scholars in related fields are warmly welcome to follow and register for the forum. 

Please stay tuned to the official Congress website "https://www.unesco.org/en" and the XTBG website  "https://www.xtbg.ac.cn" for the latest updates and registration announcements.