Over 100 experts and scholars from 30 institutions across 11 countries gathered together in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) from November 5-8. The gathering was for the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Workshop, with the theme as “Enhancing regional cooperation to address biodiversity challenges in Southeast Asia". Participants were from China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan and others.
Southeast Asia, known for its rich biodiversity, faces serious challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and species decline. This workshop offers a valuable platform for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and develop strategies for sustainable biodiversity conservation.
“Through this workshop, we aim to strengthen regional collaboration and build lasting networks among Southeast Asian countries, advancing biodiversity science to meet shared environmental challenges. Your contributions are vital in shaping a future where humans and nature coexist harmoniously,” said Yang Yongping, director of XTBG.
The workshop featured 40 presentations concerning such topics as plant and anumal diversity in southeast Asia, ethnobotany, conservation and management of forest resources. The participants had in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities of biodiversity conservation, sharing their research findings and practical experiences.
It also focused on the current status and priorities of biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia, as well as promoting regional cooperation to achieve the goals of the "Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework."
The participants unanimously agreed that the challenges of biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia can be effectively addressed, by strengthening talent development, raising public awareness, enhancing law enforcement, promoting community participation, building databases and sharing information, balancing conservation with economic development needs, and promoting the application of artificial intelligence in conservation.
Prof. Yang Yongping makes opening speech.
Speakers at the workshop.
Participants pose a group photo.
