The biosphere reserves congress will take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, from September 22 to 25. Notably, this biosphere reserves congress marks the first time the conference will be held in Asia and will bring together approximately 4,000 delegates from over 150 countries and regions.
Moreover, He Hongping, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the global biosphere forum provides a platform to exchange knowledge on ecological governance. He added that participants seek to strengthen international scientific collaboration and promote biodiversity conservation.
In addition, the global biosphere forum will emphasize environmental management and sustainable development practices. Organizers intend to release a Hangzhou action plan to guide the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme over the next decade.
UNESCO launched the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1971 to promote sustainable management of biodiversity and human-nature interactions. Today, it manages the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which currently includes 759 reserves across 136 countries.
Furthermore, every ten years, UNESCO convenes the biosphere reserves congress to evaluate progress, exchange experiences, and set future priorities. For example, in 2016, the previous biosphere reserves congress in Lima, Peru, adopted the Lima Action Plan (2016-2025).
He Hongping emphasized that China will leverage the global biosphere forum to reinforce international ecological networks. Additionally, he noted that delegates will explore breakthroughs in scientific research and collaborative environmental projects.
Experts say hosting the global biosphere forum in Asia underscores China’s dedication to international biodiversity conservation. At the same time, the forum offers a platform for countries to coordinate policies and exchange strategies for sustainable ecosystem management.
Additionally, the global biosphere forum promotes public awareness of ecological protection and sustainable development. Policymakers and scientists will collaborate on practical plans to tackle environmental challenges in both urban and rural areas.
Looking ahead, participants expect the Hangzhou action plan, discussed at the biosphere reserves congress, to guide global ecological governance over the next decade. Consequently, they hope the congress will accelerate innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation and strengthen regional cooperation.
Overall, the biosphere reserves congress demonstrates China’s active role in global sustainability efforts. In conclusion, the event emphasizes the importance of collaborative action to protect natural resources and foster long-term ecological balance.
