An international symposium concerning the evolution of biodiversity and ecosystem complexity in tropical Asia was held at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) from October 19-23. It brought together over 30 young scientists from China, Germany, Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, Singapore and other countries.
The “CAS Frontiers in Science: A Youth-Led Vanguard International Symposium” included two cutting-edge themes: evolution and conservation of biodiversity in tropical Asia; biodiversity and ecosystem stability in tropical Asia. It covered core topics such as the evolution of biodiversity, geographical distribution patterns, conservation of biodiversity in tropical Asia, and the stability and resilience of forest ecosystems.
Prof. Yang Yongping, director of XTBG, delivered an opening speech. He said that young scientists from around the world and across various disciplines at the salon would contribute wisdom and strength to the biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management in the tropical Asian region.
Young scientists from various disciplinary backgrounds combined their specialized research to share insights on species adaptation mechanisms, migration patterns and extinction risks, the long-term impacts of climate change and human activities on ecosystems, and demonstrated applications based on artificial intelligence and the latest research technologies. From an interdisciplinary perspective, they proposed a series of innovative ideas to address current challenges.
The attending scientists reached a consensus on potential future collaborations, agreeing to further strengthen international cooperation in biogeography, conservation biology, and ecology, to promote biodiversity conservation efforts in the Indochina Peninsula, and to collectively tackle the global challenge of tropical biodiversity loss.
This academic salon was hosted by the International Cooperation Bureau of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and organized by XTBG.
During the conference, the participants also visited the living collections and research platforms for the adaptability and ecological resilience of tropical and subtropical tree species.
Participants pose a group photo.
Participants have discussion.
