More than 700 scientists, conservation practitioners, and early-career researchers from over 60 countries and regions assembled on June 28 in Xishuangbanna, a biodiverse prefecture in southwest China known for its tropical rainforests, for the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC).
The five-day conference, hosted by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is held under the theme “Achieving a Shared Ecological Civilization for Long-Term Resilience”- a concept that emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature and serves as a guiding framework for China’s current environmental policy.The meeting aims to identify actionable pathways for safeguarding tropical ecosystems and advancing global biodiversity targets.
“We see this meeting as an important opportunity for XTBG to expand its role in worldwide conservation efforts, building on its standing as a research and conservation institution,” said XING Yaowu, director of XTBG. He expressed confidence that the gathering would foster deeper international collaboration.
Dr. Catherine Cardelús, executive director of ATBC, expressed optimism about the meeting. “We hope this conference will become a landmark in tropical conservation, fostering interdisciplinary and cross-border partnerships that translate into on-the-ground action,” she said.
In his opening address, ZHANG Yaping, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, noted that “the future of tropical biodiversity, in a profound way, determines the future of human civilization.” He called on the scientific community to “use research to reveal the patterns of tropical protection, back decisions with robust data, and encourage young scholars to take up the mantle of biodiversity stewardship.”
A subsequent panel session featured experts discussing China’s biodiversity conservation policies and actions within the eco-civilization framework, and analyzing their implications for global conservation efforts.
The conference program includes over 560 oral presentations covering a wide range of topics, such as ecosystem services provided by tropical forests, sustainable ecotourism, transboundary protection cooperation, forest ecology, and carbon sink dynamics. Special sessions are also devoted to integrating indigenous knowledge and strengthening the science-policy interface.
Founded in 1963, ATBC is the world’s largest academic organization dedicated to tropical ecology, and its annual meeting is considered one of the most influential forums in the field.
The ATBC annual meeting 2026, which runs until July 2, marks one of the largest international conservation conferences ever held in southwestern China. The event also highlights the region’s ongoing efforts to balance ecological integrity with long-term societal resilience.
Scientists gather in Xishuangbanna for tropical biodiversity conservation. (Image by XTBG)
Prof. XING Yaowu sees the meeting as an important opportunity for XTBG . (Image by XTBG)
Dr. Catherine Cardelús, executive director of ATBC, expresses optimism about the meeting. (Image by XTBG)
CAS Academician urges the scientific community to uncover patterns in tropical conservation through research. (Image by XTBG)
Experts discuss eco-civilization in concept and practice. (Image by XTBG)
Representatives sprinkle water on the audience as a blessing. (Image by XTBG)
