On October 16, the Thematic Session on Biodiversity Conservation of the Global Ecological Governance (Nansen) Conference was convened at the Xiamen Air Jianianhua Hotel in Fengtai District, Beijing. Wu Kai, Deputy Mayor of Fengtai District, Sha Haijiang, Deputy Director of Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau, and Cheng Wu, Vice President of Beijing Forestry University, attended the session.

Cheng Wu and Professor Oscar Gaggiotti from the University of St Andrews have formalized an agreement for the Sino-UK Biodiversity International Joint Laboratory, declaring the creation of the "Artificial Intelligence Biodiversity Conservation International Cooperative Joint Laboratory". Meanwhile, the Dean of School of Ecology and Nature Conservation at BFU and Professor Binod Prasad Heyojoo, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, have also signed a research collaboration agreement, resulting in the establishment of a joint laboratory. These developments represent a significant step by BFU to bolster international collaborations and promote scientific capacity in ecological conservation.They will offer crucial scientific and technological backing and skilled personnel to support efforts in global biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and the study of forest ecosystems.

The Artificial Intelligence Biodiversity Conservation International Cooperative Joint Laboratory will explore fields such as AI-enabled biodiversity surveillance and evaluation, the application of AI and information theory in conservation genetics, and the unraveling of biodiversity's origins based on AI integrated with single-cell spatial multi-omics through AI and advanced technologies.These efforts aim to boost the effectiveness and scientific rigor of biodiversity protection and furnish scientific and technical solutions for worldwide ecological conservation. The collaborative laboratory set up by School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, BFU and Tribhuvan University's Faculty of Forestry will draw upon the premier resources of both schools to tackle crucial ecological and conservation issues, focusing on studies related to forest ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity preservation, ecological restoration techniques, and sustainable natural resource management.

During the keynote speeches segment, several distinguished scholars delivered presentations on a variety of topics concerning biodiversity and ecological conservation. The speakers included:

Professor Hans Lambers from the University of Western Australia, who discussed "Why is Perth one of the most biodiverse cities in the world?"

Researcher Zhang Fengchun from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, who covered "Some questions on the valuation of ecosystem services."

Professor Oscar Gaggiotti from the University of St Andrews, who explored "Computational approaches as tools for understanding and managing human impacts on nature."

Researcher Lei Fumin from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who presented on "Phylogeography and genetic diversity conservation of Chinese birds."

Professor Binod Prasad Heyojoo from Tribhuvan University, who talked about "Biodiversity Conservation in Pokhara: Challenges and Institute of Forestry (IOF)-Led Initiatives for Sustainable Development."

Professor Ram Pandit from the University of Western Australia, who discussed "Valuing biodiversity: Conceptual and empirical observations."

Director Xia Fang from the Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park, who shared practices on "Biodiversity conservation and natural education at Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park."

Director Liu Hua from the Landscape Architecture and Landscape Research Branch of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, who detailed the "Planning and construction process of Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park and the Capital Biodiversity Demonstration Area."

Professor Xu Jiliang from the School of Ecology and Natural Conservation at Beijing Forestry University, who examined "Research and practice of biodiversity conservation in megacities—taking Beijing as an example."

These presentations highlighted critical insights and innovative approaches to preserving biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem services across different regions and backgrounds.

During the roundtable discussion, participants focused on the issue of how megacities like Beijing can enhance biodiversity protection. They suggested practical measures such as establishing ecological corridors and increasing the connectivity of green spaces. Additionally, they explored ways to boost public engagement and awareness regarding the importance of urban biodiversity conservation. They also examined the pivotal role of education in these efforts. The experts unanimously agreed that fostering ecological education and encouraging public involvement are critical for the success of biodiversity conservation in large urban environments.

Written by Han Jiayin
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang