Cao Jiashuo, a PhD student in the School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, has been named one of six laureates of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientist Awards for 2025. She is the first Chinese recipient since 2008 and BFU's first-ever winner. The award was announced at the 37th session of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) on 26 September 2025.

Her project, "Scaling Up Indigenous Ecological Wisdom for Forest Sustainability: Insights from Hanma Biosphere Reserve", focuses on sustainable management of cold-temperate forest ecosystems. The study systematically documents and analyses the ecological knowledge of the Aoluguya Ewenki community in Hanma Biosphere Reserve and shows how indigenous residents have shifted from passive "subjects of protection" into active "co-builders of conservation" through engagement in ecotourism, nature education and related enterprises. The research proposes a governance model for biosphere reserves that is both replicable and scalable.

The MAB Secretariat praised Cao's project for demonstrating the unique value of indigenous ecological wisdom in addressing the global climate challenges and in fostering harmony between people and nature. It said the study offers important lessons for the conservation and sustainable management of cold-temperate forests, noting that its approach, which blends cultural heritage with ecological governance, provides insights for other biosphere reserves worldwide.

The MAB Young Scientist Awards are presented annually to support youth researchers conducting interdisciplinary studies in biosphere reserves since 1989. The grants aim to advance sustainable ecosystem management and help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They are widely regarded as one of the top international honours for young conservation scientists.

Written by Piao Donghe
Translated by Wang Yannan
Edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang