Global Ecological Governance (Nansen) Conference attracts Chinese, global experts

The Global Ecological Governance (Nansen) Conference was held in Fengtai district in Beijing on Oct 16-18.

Jointly organized by Beijing Forestry University and the Beijing Forestry Society, the conference brought together hundreds of global experts to Beijing to explore emerging trends, technologies, and policies in ecological governance. Focusing on garden city development, biodiversity conservation, and the global horticulture industry, the event aimed to harness innovative productivity to foster the deep integration of innovation, industry, finance, and talent chains.

Themed "Ecological Governance and Sustainable Development", the conference was structured in a "1+8+1" format, featuring one opening ceremony and eight thematic sessions: Thematic Session on Biodiversity Conservation, Thematic Session on Bird Migration, Garden City Thematic Conference, Thematic Conference on International Flower and Tree Development, Beijing forum on Forests and Thematic Session on Forest Healing, Thematic Session on Ecological Environment Governance, Thematic Session on "Data Empowerment, Smart Ecology" Development and the South Central Axis Planning and Construction Seminar. The conference also features an extended session titled Garden City Construction 2024 Heritage and Landscape Protection Conference.

China holds a pivotal position as an active participant, contributor, and leader in global ecological governance. Beijing, by crafting an all-encompassing forest and garden city, presents the "Beijing Model" , serving as a blueprint for megacities eager to achieve a harmonious blend of people, urban development, industry, green growth, and culture. Fengtai district, notably, endeavors to foster a balanced integration of production, living, and ecological spaces, aspiring to become Beijing's foremost garden district.

In August, Beijing Forestry University and the Fengtai district of the Beijing municipal government entered into a strategic cooperation framework agreement, engaging in collaborative efforts across eight domains, including jointly creating a model district for the capital's garden city construction and deepening industrial cooperation in all aspects of ecology. The conference signifies the establishment of an advanced international platform for ecological exchange and cooperation, facilitated through the collaboration between the two parties

Wang Hongyuan, chairman of the University Council at Beijing Forestry University, stated that the university is deeply integrating with Fengtai district in terms of industry, education, research, and innovation, complementing each other's strengths. Together, they aim to establish a hub that attracts top talent, fosters green technology, cultivates ecological industries, and promotes international cooperation in ecological governance, setting to elevate Beijing's standing as a global leader in ecological civilization.

Global collaboration in ecological science and education

During the opening ceremony, representatives from the government and university and academic experts jointly launched the Global Ecological Governance Nansen Initiative. This initiative calls for the establishment of a permanent conference mechanism and an innovative platform for exchanges and sharing, advancing a global scientific action plan for migratory bird flyways. Through joint laboratories and innovation alliances, it aims to promote global collaboration in ecological science and education, creating a beautiful home for humanity and nature on Earth.

The conference brought together leading voices in ecological governance, including Riccardo Valentini, professor of the University of Tuscia inItaly, and academician at the European Academy of Sciences; Cui Peng, academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Hans Lambers, academician at the University of Western Australia. The event is also supported by international and domestic organizations and institutions such as the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF), the China Flower Association, the China Association of Environmental Protection Industry, and the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design. Through collaboration, participants aim to advance ecological governance and sustainable development, establishing a new benchmark for environmental management in major urban centers across the country.

At the conference, the secretariats of two national-level innovation alliances—National innovation Alliance for Forest Therapy and Health Promotion and the National Innovation Alliance for Nature Experience Industry—officially established their headquarters at Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park.

Flyway University Alliance officially established

During the conference, the Flyway University Alliance was officially established. This alliance is focused on bringing all the forces from countries and regions especially from universities and research institutions, together. It aims to support young people and emerging experts in carrying out cross-regional research and collaborative actions within flyway areas, develop innovative scientific plans, enhance coordinated research and monitoring efforts, and actively build international green corridors for global biodiversity conservation.

First EAAFP Flyway Science Symposium, as one of the thematic sessions, was held on Oct 17, dedicated to advancing global biodiversity conservation, supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF), and creating a platform for scientific exchange and collaboration on flyway. The symposium, focused on the EAAFP, unveiled the Global Scientific Action Plan for Migratory Bird Flyway Conservation.

As one of the sponsors of the conference, Beijing Forestry University has established partnerships with almost 70 international organizations, universities, and research institutions, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and EAAFP, and it has recently strengthened its partnership with organizations like the EAAFP by establishing the Center for East Asian-Australasian Flyway Studies (CEAAF), actively promoting knowledge co-creation and sharing in ecology, environmental science, and biodiversity conservation across flyways while training young leaders in global ecological governance and conservation.