Recently, Professor Lei Guangchun and Asscoiate Professor Lü Cai from Beijing Forestry University participated as part of the Chinese government delegation at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, held in Zimbabwe. Two resolutions primarily drafted by Lü Cai and submitted by China were adopted during the conference.

The BFU delegation provided comprehensive technical support to the Chinese delegation throughout the event. Their contributions included assisting in strategic negotiations, promoting China’s achievements in flyway conservation—such as the establishment of the Flyway Universities Alliance and its summer school program—and facilitating the incorporation of China's priorities into multiple resolutions. They also engaged with various parties and international organizations to explore future collaborations. 

The two resolutions, "Enhancing National Actions for the Conservation and Restoration of Waterbird Flyways and Key Habitats" and "Promoting the Integration of New Technologies and Traditional Knowledge in Wetland Conservation, Restoration, Management and Wise Use", were drafted under the leadership of Lü Cai, the documents underwent multiple rounds of negatiation before being formally adopted. 

The first resolution, co-sponsored by China and Cambodia, aims to strengthen international cooperation to reverse the decline of waterbird populations and support global biodiversity goals. It highlights China's conservation efforts, including its work within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and the nomination of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf site. The resolution encourages broader participation in flyway conservation initiatives and has received wide support from parties and organizations such as the CMS, BirdLife International, Wetlands International, and EAAFP. 

The second resolution, introduced by China and several other countries, advocates combining new technology and traditional knowledge in wetland management. It reflects China's growing leadership in smart forestry and wetland technology and helps pave the way for international promotion of Chinese technical standards. 

The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 with 172 current contracting parties, is one of the earliest modern multilateral environmental agreements. China became a member in 1992. This year's COP, themed "Wetlands for Our Future", attracted over 1,500 representatives from 142 countries and 103 international organizations. The conference adopted the Victoria Falls Declaration, the fifth Strategic Plan (2026–2034), and 25 resolutions. Looking forward, BFU will continue to support national implementation of the convention and develop talent in global ecological governance.

Written by Zeng Qing
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang